After his grandad lost his battle against bowel cancer on May 27, this thoughtful six-year-old wants to give something back to those who cared for him.
Olly Doxford and his grandad, Paul Doxford, had always been close.
The pair would enjoy regular sleepovers and Olly would always rely on his grandad to know the answers to all of his questions.
Paul battled against cancer for over four years and throughout this received care and support from staff on Ward 36 at the Freeman Hospital.
One of Paul’s final wishes was for the collection at his funeral to go to support the NHS heroes who went above and beyond for him and his family during his difficult time.
But unfortunately due to coronavirus social distancing restrictions this was unable to happen.
So in a show of his love for Paul, Olly wanted to grant his grandad’s last request and has decided to run 66 miles, the age of his grandad when he passed away, to raise money for Ward 36.
Olly’s dad, Joe, 30, of Wallsend said: “Olly and my dad were very very close, he used to go around for sleepovers and anything wanted to know he’d ask his grandad.
“My dad had been going to the ward for so long he knew a lot of staff by their first names.
"They were brilliant. They always treated him with respect, looked after him so well, giving him very personal care and making the difficult time was a little bit easier for my dad."
This passionate little boy is determined to cover 66 miles before July 31 and has been running over 1.5 miles every morning.
After initially setting a target of £300, Olly’s gesture has touched the hearts of hundreds of people and has raised more than £3,211 on his JustGiving page.
His parents couldn’t be prouder and have been recording Olly's miles on mum Mel's Fitbit every day.
Mel, 28, said: “We are so proud of him and he’s so motivated as he knows that the money raised is going to a good cause.
"We are amazed at the generous response on his JustGiving page. He's so happy that the money raised will go to help for those who tried to make his grandad better and for others continuing to fight cancer on the ward."
Olly's parents have arranged for his friends and family to see him over the line after he finishes his final mile on Friday.
And depending on government guidelines Joe and Mel are hoping that Olly will be able to meet the Freeman Hospital staff to show them how much he has raised for their ward.
To donate to Olly's Just Giving page follow this link.
