New Longton boy goes 1km each day for 40 days in grandmother’s memory

Oliver Maloney, who more than doubled his target distance on a charity challenge in memory of his grandma

A boy from Walmer Bridge has raised money for Rosemere Cancer Foundation in memory of his grandmother.

Oliver Maloney, nine, who attends New Longton All Saints’ CE Primary, decided to walk, run, cycle or scooter at least 1km a day on each of Lent’s 40 days.

Oliver smashed his target, achieving more than 100km by the end of Lent, and raising £270 for the foundation.

James Maloney, Oliver’s dad and also head teacher at his school, said: “We are so pleased for Oliver as he’s a lovely lad. He kept asking would his granny be proud of him and of course she would.

“Oliver never got to meet his wonderful granny Lesley, who was my mum, as she died 10 years ago when my wife Pam was eight weeks pregnant with Oliver. She was the first person we told about the pregnancy.

“Mum was a patient on Ribblesdale Ward at Rosemere Cancer Centre and was expertly looked after by the amazing staff.”

On wheels as well as on foot, Oliver built his distance

Oliver was inspired by a school assembly to give something back to the world rather than follow the Lenten tradition of giving something up.

Throughout his challenge, Oliver was accompanied by James, Pam, sister Grace (12) and dog Poppy.

His family thanked everyone for the sponsorships.

The money raised will go towards funding equipment, clinical research, staff training and services and initiatives that the NHS cannot afford to make patients’ cancer journey more effective, comfortable and stress-free.

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