Jack, 9, swims a mile to swell funds

A SELFLESS boy from Shaw has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award for literally going the extra mile.

After hearing what happened in the Shaw gas explosion last year, nine-year-old Jack Hanley decided to raise money in memory of Jamie Heaton, who tragically died in the blast.

The Crompton Primary School pupil organised a sponsored swim, made his own posters and sponsor forms, and swam 66 lengths which is the equivalent of one mile.

With the £2,046 raised from the swim, Jack gave Jamie Heaton’s parents Michelle and Kenny Heaton the bulk of the money for the Jamie’s Something Special Memorial Foundation and the remainder to Dr Kershaw’s.

And Jamie’s parents were so touched by Jack’s contribution that he was made a foundation ambassador.

Since then Jack has continued to raise money, holding his own “guess how many sweets are in the jar” stall.

Jack’s mum Ria Williams nominated him for the award in the volunteer category.

She said: “Everyone, especially me, is really proud of him.

“All of his family and friends really think he deserves this nomination for everything he’s done.”

Jack said: “It makes me feel happy that my mum nominated me, it was a nice thing for my mum to have done.

“Swimming 66 lengths wasn’t too tiring and people were very generous sponsoring me.

“I think I’ll carry on raising more money for the foundation.”