Fulwood boy smashes Rubik’s cube challenge to raise money for kids in need

A still from the video of Oliver completing his challenge — Oliver taught himself how to solve the cube by watching YouTube videos

A 10-year-old boy from Fulwood who taught himself how to solve a Rubik’s cube has raised almost £500 for Rock FM’s Cash for Kids by completing a timed challenge.

Oliver Coupland watched YouTube videos to learn how to complete the puzzle using algorithms. He then set himself the challenge of solving a Rubik’s cube in between two and six minutes in line with the 2.6 Challenge.

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In an uncanny twist, Oliver completed the challenge in two minutes 26 seconds.

Oliver said: “I started learning the cube a few months ago and during lockdown I had lots of time to practise and watch the online videos about how to solve it. I really struggled to understand the first video on how to solve the third layer. I then found another video and put them both together to teach myself. It’s all about learning different algorithms and looking for the available pieces to work with that algorithm.

“On the day I solved it for the first time, my Mum had read about the 2.6 Challenge and suggested I could do something with my Rubik’s cube. Cash For Kids help children who haven’t always got the best living conditions and are sometimes short of food and basic supplies, so Mum and I thought this would be a great charity to raise money for. They also support the school where my Mum works.”

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Oliver set himself a fundraising target of £100 but has so far raised over £450.

Oliver completed his 2.6 Challenge in two minutes 26 seconds

“I felt a bit nervous about doing the challenge in case I didn’t manage to do it. I was also really excited because if I did manage to do it then I knew I would raise a lot of money.

“I feel really happy about all the support I’ve had and so many people are really proud of me. I feel so excited when my iPad pings to tell me I’ve received another donation!”

Oliver’s mum Jane Coupland said: “My Facebook page has been inundated with comments from people who just can’t believe what he did! It’s even made people cry!”

The video of Oliver completing the challenge can be viewed on his fundraising page, which is also still open for donations.

What do you think of Oliver’s achievement? Let us know in the comments.