Seven-year-old Newbury youngster Oli Nicholson undertakes triathlon to raise more than £500 for water charity

A Newbury youngster was so moved by a charity appeal that she decided to get active to help.

Last month, seven-year-old Oli Nicholson organised her own triathlon to raise money for WaterAid.

She first ran 500 metres, then cycled for a mile, before ending her sporting event with a 100 metre swim – and received a medal for her efforts.

The charity, which works across the world to bring communities clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene, inspired the youngster when she was watching television.

Mum Fran Nicholson said: “Oli saw an advert explaining that some children and families don’t have clean water to drink and it made her feel sad.

“She said she would like to find a way of raising money for them.”

The family worked out the activities based on her love of swimming.

“We didn’t do it in the traditional order of a triathlon,” Mrs Nicholson said. “It had to be a challenge for her, but it couldn’t be too easy.”

Thanks to generous donations from supporters, she raised more than £550.

“Every time she received some new sponsorship, her smile lit up her whole face,” Mrs Nicholson said.

“People have been so generous and so kind.

“Oli’s desire to help people has really hit a nerve, and she understands the difference she has made. She is very happy about it.”

The youngster really was grateful for those who contributed.

In a message to them, she wrote: “Thank you for supporting me and for helping people. Love from Oli x.”

Visit https://missionwater.wateraid.org/fundraising/olis-triathalon to find out more about Oli’s effort and make a donation.

Her efforts have been appreciated by WaterAid.

Gurvinder Gregson, WaterAid’s community, events and education team lead, said: “What an inspirational child Oli is.

“Her self-motivation to improve the lives of children less fortunate than herself is truly impressive.

“She’s absolutely right that in today’s world, it is unacceptable for people to be without clean drinking water.”

She continued: “Congratulations to Oli on completing her tremendous triathlon and a heartfelt thank you from WaterAid for the £553 she collected.

“Her fantastic fundraising efforts will go towards ensuring boys and girls around the world, just like Oli, have clean water and decent toilets, helping to make the world a better place.”