Hero Oscar puts his best foot forward in aid of MND

Reporter: Ken Bennett
Date published: 02 February 2025


Through hail, rain, snow and gales, youngster Oscar Asquith spent every day last month notching up another mile run in memory of his great uncle Ron, a former woodwork master at Saddleworth School, who died of Motor Neurone Disease more than 15 years ago.

The valiant 10-year-old left Díggle CE primary school every day under the watchful eye of his proud mother, Michelle, adding another mile on his 31-day run pledge to home in a bid to raise funds for MND.

Oscar’s uncle is described by the family as a “kind, unassuming and gentle.”

And Kevin Sinfield CBE, national MND fundraising icon, added personal words of encouragement to the little champ’s efforts.

In a personal video message to Oscar he said: ”Well done and congrats on running every day this month on behalf of you great uncle Ron.

"I’m sure he’ll be unbelievably proud of you.

“And all the MND community will be proud of everything you’ve done.

"Keep going, not long to go now and I hope you smash your target.”

Originally Oscar aimed to raise £150, but after his mother opened a JustGiving page he has now crossed the final line - topping £1,700!

Said mother of three Michelle: “Oscar is a sporty boy, his main passion is golf.

"And he’s played since he was two years old.

"His dad, Steve, is ex-Captain of Saddleworth Golf club so they play as much as they can.

“He also enjoys playing for Uppermill football club and Greenfield cricket club.

"But he doesn’t enjoy running!!

"In actual fact he finds it really hard.

“Back in summer Oscar received medication for a lack of iron, his energy levels were on the floor and we were quite worried about him.

“After blood tests it was decided he needed six months medication. It worked.

"His energy levels returned and he has ongoing tests this year.

"Over Christmas Oscar and I decided it would be a real challenge to run a mile daily for MND, but he really wanted to do it.

“As you’ve seen from his story on the JustGiving page, he’s running for his Great Uncle Ron.

"Ron Asquith was a woodwork teacher at Saddleworth school.

"His life was cut short by MND and he died in his 60s.

“When he died people had rarely heard of MND.

"We, as a family, are proud the charity are striving to find a cure.”

After the end of the epic run pledge, Michelle added: ”Oscar has absolutely smashed it!

"What a January this has been.

"We’ve been totally overwhelmed by the generosity of our community, family and friends.

“He’s made (up to now) £1,700, and it keeps rising! Such a fabulous afternoon.

"Diggle School have been awesome.

"The whole school stood and cheered Oscar on for his last one mile run.

“The noise was incredible and special thanks to Oscar’s friends who did two laps each with him and Mrs Hazlehurst for organising it.

"Thank you also to Alistair who Oscar presented the cheque to for MND.

"He said he thought our school was fantastic.

“I’ll never forget this. Thank you all.”


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