Young Pudsey lover raises funds for children in need

Oliver Howe, 11, has been raising funds for the charity for the third time since November 1 through the campaign “Pick up for Pudsey”. 

His passion for the project has made it a family affair with his mum Sam, 37, dad Alex, 41 and his two brothers Charlie, ten, and Noah, six, supporting his efforts. 

During his first fundraiser, Oliver was able to collect £859, in his second year £295 and so far he has managed to gather £730 in 2023. 

The Chase Lane Primary School pupil has not always had the easiest time, as he has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD. 

He also suffered from reactive arthritis in May 2019, which left him struggling to walk without a frame. 

Despite undergoing hydrotherapy treatment, he still suffers from flare ups at certain times, causing him pain while walking. 

But this has not stopped him from trying to do his part in giving back to those in need by supporting one of his heroes, Pudsey, the mascot of the Children in Need charity. 

“Oliver has a true love of Pudsey, and this was apparent from such a young age, and still to this day. Children in Need is to Oliver as special as Christmas Day or his birthday,” said his mother Sam. 

“Oliver has always wanted to support Children in Need because of the fantastic work they do for children, and families across the UK and give back to them the support he has also received over the years.” 

On his 7th birthday, Oliver celebrated a special Pudsey picnic, with the main bear making an appearance in the flesh, thanks to the help of Deidre Scott from the Asda in Harwich. 

Oliver said: “I have hidden disabilities which have had an impact on my life. I’m doing this fundraiser for other children and families across the United Kingdom as I want to help others.” 

Anyone interested in supporting Oliver’s fundraiser can visit his JustGiving page.