A YOUNG schoolboy has set himself a daunting challenge to help NHS heroes.

Oliver Kirkham, from Knutsford, is determined to cycle 100 miles during February to raise money for doctors and nurses working through the pandemic.

The eight-year-old said: "I’ve decided to cycle 100 miles for the NHS because of all of their hard work. They are looking after so many poorly people and I’d like to try to raise some money for them and help make things a little better.”

The Bexton Primary School pupil has already completed one-third of his marathon and plans to clock up many more miles during half term next week.

READ > Stunning images captured by Knutsford Photographic Society

Oliver Kirkham riding 100 miles to raise funds for the NHS

Oliver Kirkham riding 100 miles to raise funds for the NHS

Oliver is riding 100 miles to raise funds for the NHS

Mum Emma said: "He came up with the idea himself. We were sitting at the dinner table and he just said he was going to raise money for the NHS. He has seen nurses on the news looking after Covid patients and wants to do something to help."

Oliver, who will be nine on Monday, hopes to get a new bike for his birthday.

The keen footballer has planned a two mile route near his home that he can ride by himself every day.

So far, he has raised £300 on a JustGiving page.

Oliver rides in Tatton Park with dad Stuart at weekends

Oliver rides in Tatton Park with dad Stuart at weekends

Oliver rides in Tatton Park with dad Stuart at weekends

"He goes on longer rides with his dad at the weekends," said Emma. "He rode 10 miles in Tatton last week and he also cycles with his uncle, Will Waters who ran alongside him.

"He's mad about football and plays for Egerton. He really misses it.

"He is excited about the amount of money he has raised so far and loves reading all the messages from people who have donated."

To support Oliver visit justgiving.com/fundraising/olivers100miles