A 10-year-old boy inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore is aiming to run 100 laps of a community field in support of the NHS.

Jenson O'Neil from Istead Rise is going to run just under 40 miles during his free time at weekends and after school to help Darent Valley Hospital.

Jenson running 100 laps of his community field to raise money for the NHS

The Our Lady of Hartley Catholic Primary School pupil has already raised £500 in his first 24 hours of running.

Captain Tom’s amazing achievements captured Jenson’s imagination and inspired him to raise funds in the same way after the 100-year-old made headlines and raised more than £30 million by walking 100 laps of his garden.

Jenson hopes to not only support the NHS charities but also Darent Valley Hospital, in Dartford, where his mum, Lisa, works.

The pupil hears first hand from his mum about the work she and her colleagues continue to provide at the hospital during the pandemic.

Jenson said: “I will be running around the field to complete as many laps as possible and aim to set a personal best record of 100 laps, if not more.”

Along with Captain Tom's influence, his mum's work has also encouraged him to do something positive for his community.

Jenson's mum Lisa added: "I feel that whilst the pandemic has been so disastrous, it has also had a very positive side and brought out the very best in human nature."

Each lap of the field is 0.64km, this means Jenson will be running a grand total of 64km.

Istead Rise councillor Dakota Dibben said: "This is such a valiant effort by a young person in our community, I am truly humbled and encourage everyone to support him in any way you can."

If you would like to support Jenson you can find his JustGiving page here.

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