An eight-year-old Walkden boy has been inspired by Captain Tom to raise money for the NHS.

Sam Mullineux, from James Brindley Community School, was moved by the high-profile veteran fundraiser’s death earlier this year and decided to run 50km for the NHS before his ninth birthday.

Sam’s mother Kate Mullineux said: “When we watched the news and found out that Captain Tom had died, he was genuinely upset. He said to me he wished he could raise money like captain Tom did.

“I am really proud of how much he has raised. He has done it totally off his own bat and it has give him a focus over lockdown. He even went out when it was snowing.”

Image credit: Kate Mullineux

Sam set a target of raising £2,000, but his mum initially told him to aim for a more realistic goal of £150.

He has now raised £1,300 and counting which means he could reach his target.

The eight-year-old has run 66km exceeding his target of 50km and now aims to run 75km before his birthday.

Image credit: Kate Mullineux

Sam said: “What Captain Tom did at that age was brilliant. We need more people like him.”

“I have raised money for the NHS because they are the ones pulling us out of a hole. By running I am showing my respect for what they have done.”

Sir Tom raised almost £33 million for the NHS by doing laps of his garden.

Image credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Tom_Moore

Many people like Sam have been inspired by his efforts to raise money for the NHS and post it to the hashtag #NHStogether.

Sam hopes to do different fundraisers in the future for the NHS like sponsored bike rides.

The link to Sam’s fundraising page is Kate Mullineux is fundraising for NHS Charities Together (justgiving.com)

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