A six-year-old from Lancaster is preparing to climb the equivalent height of the tallest mountain in the world to raise money for a children’s hospice.
Oscar Burrow will climb 12 of the highest mountains in Great Britain, including Scafell Pike, Snowdon and Ben Nevis, to reach the height of Mount Everest, which is 8,849 metres tall.
All money raised will be donated to Chorley-based Derian House.
Alongside his dad Matt, mum Kim, grandad Mark, and little sister Ada, Oscar has already tackled Ingleborough, Whernside, The Old Man of Coniston, Helvellyn, and Skiddaw.
The youngster is tracking his altitude on a special Mount Everest mural on his bedroom wall.
He said: “I want to climb Mount Everest because it’s the hardest mountain in the world.
“My favourite walk so far has been Helvellyn. One thing I did like was when daddy and grandad had to hold onto me because it was so windy. A man donated some money to us as he passed by!
“The walks don’t scare me, never, but my fingers did get a bit cold. I’m looking forward to my next walk. I want to make a lot of money for Derian House because I want to help the children.”
So far, Oscar has raised £652 but is determined to raise £8,849, which is the exact height of Mount Everest in metres.
Dad, Matt Burrow said: “We’re just so proud of Oscar. If he’s not out playing rugby, swimming, or walking he’s got to be doing something because you can’t keep him still.
"He came up with the idea to climb Mount Everest himself when he learned that it was the most difficult mountain to climb.
“Hopefully it raises as much as possible for Derian House. Oscar’s friend’s sister sadly passed away after a brave battle with cancer.
"Anyone who is a parent would understand what these parents are going through.”
Grandad Mark, 67, said: “People were stopping us because you don’t often see a six-year-old climbing these mountains.
"Everyone is very impressed with what Oscar is doing. Especially when the conditions get nasty.
“He doesn’t ever complain. I just feel that determination is really quite remarkable.”
Kerry Pritchard, community fundraiser at Derian House, said: “Not many adults would attempt to climb to the height of Mount Everest – never mind a six-year-old!
“Oscar is very brave and we’ve been enjoying seeing photos of him at the top of each mountain.
“It costs £6 million to run services at Derian House, so we rely heavily on courageous superstars, like Oscar, who go above and beyond.”
You can donate to Oscar’s challenge on his JustGiving: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/oscar-burrow1
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here