A KEEN footballer has beaten an ambitious goal to support NHS heroes.

Knutsford schoolboy Oliver Kirkham, nine, pledged to cycle 100 miles during February to thank doctors and nurses for all their work during the pandemic.

The Man Utd fan's initial target of £200 has soared to an incredible £1,500 for NHS Charities Together and he clocked up an extra 20 miles along the way.

Knutsford Guardian:

Oliver was thrilled to receive a new bike for his ninth birthday

Oliver, who came up with the idea himself, said: "I initially decided to cycle 100 miles for the NHS because of all their hard work.

"They are looking after so many poorly people, I'd like to try and raise some money for them and help make things a little better."

The plucky Bexton Primary School pupil has cycled in all weathers to complete his challenge.

Mum Emma said: " Oliver has cycled 120 miles in wind, rain, freezing conditions and some sunshine.

"He has received so many kind and generous donations from friends and family and even complete strangers who have heard about his challenge and made a donation.

Knutsford Guardian:

Oliver came up with the idea of his challenge himself

"He cycled with his dad Stuart and family members all over Knutsford, through Tatton Park several times and to Mere, Rostherne, Booths Hall and Mobberley as well as numerous circuits of a two mile loop by himself near home."

His uncle Will Waters ran alongside him on some of his bike rides.

Oliver was thrilled to receive a new bike on his ninth birthday last week and still plans to go out cycling regularly.

"Oliver is mad about football and plays for Egerton," said Emma. "He really misses it."

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/olivers100miles