Compton Primary School pupil runs up tidy sum to support school with new sports equipment

One Year 5 pupil has stepped up to support his school.

Ten-year-old Oscar Shuttleworth decided to run one mile every day after school for 30 days to raise money to buy new sports equipment for Compton Primary School.

And much to his surprise, the donations came flooding in with the final total of his online fundraiser being three times his initial target.

Speaking to newburytoday after his final run on Friday, June 30, Oscar said: “I’ve enjoyed it, but it’s been quite a challenge.”

He was cheered across the finish line by a crowd of his classmates and parents, making it all worthwhile.

Speaking about his fundraiser – now at £930, plus £192.50 in gift aid – he added: “I was really amazed. I’d be dancing if I got £300, but now I think I’ve got to throw a whole party.”

His mother, Katarzyna Shuttleworth, was very supportive of her son’s sporting endeavour.

“The first few days, Oscar was quite surprised how difficult it is to run continuously,” she said.

“It didn’t matter that he runs at football and cricket, it’s not constant, so he found it quite challenging.”

But she says he learned to manage his breathing and paced himself to enable him to complete the challenge.

“We always kept an eye on him to make sure he does his runs every day. It was nice to see him doing it.”

And sharing her thoughts on the fundraiser, Mrs Shuttleworth added: “I’m overwhlemed to be honest.

“I’m so pleased and surprised how nice people around us were.”

Oscar said he is open to similar fundraising ventures down the line, but for now, he is happy to take a well-earned rest.