MOFFAT youngster Oscar Fletcher is halfway through his 100 night charity sleep-out challenge.
The ten-year-old has been braving the elements — including Storms Bert and Darragh — since November, and is due to complete his mammoth camp out in February.
He was inspired to take up the challenge after his grandad recovered from cancer last year, with all of the money he raises going to Macmillan Cancer Support.
And he’s already smashed his initial £1000 target.
Oscar said: “My grandad has just recovered from cancer and I felt really worried for him and helpless during his treatment.
“And then a girl in my school has just lost her mum to cancer and I feel terrible for her. So, I thought I’d do what I can to raise some money for Macmillan who can support people.
“I love the outdoors and camping but I’ve never camped out for so long before.”
Although this isn’t Oscar’s first sleep-out, mum Becky is proud of her son and his commitment to his challenge. She said this week: “He loves it, but he has had to make some sacrifices like when he goes to sleepovers or to his grandparents house he sets up his tent in their garden so he doesn’t break his streak.
“He has a residential trip with the school coming up so he’ll be taking his tent with him and I’ve booked a campsite so I’ll pick him up at night, he’ll camp and I’ll take him back in the morning. So it’s a little inconvenient, but it’s what he’s got to do. “
So far Oscar has taken the winter weather in his stride, camping out in his trusty tent all the way through Christmas, New Year and even last week’s cold snap.
Fifty days into the challenge he’s still enjoying himself and added: “I’m really enjoying it. I love the sound of wind and rain on the tent. “I’ve heard foxes and deer and camped out through Storm Bert and Darragh.
“There have been a couple of icy mornings and a dusting of snow but I’m warm and sleep really well. I’m hoping for lots of snow so I can turn my tent into an igloo!”
Oscar set himself a target of £1000 for his camp-out challenge but has surpassed it to raise £1140 so far.
To donate to the fundraiser visit: www.justgiving.com and search ‘Oscar’s 100 days sleep out’.
