A YOUNG boy from Woodley has raised hundreds of pounds for Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH) by running a marathon.

8-year-old fundraiser Dexter Rosier has raised another £700 to support the staff at RBH, by running 26.2 miles in just seven days.

Dexter was initially inspired to start fundraising during wave one after seeing other people, like the late Captain Sir Tom Moore on television.

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He raised an amazing £1,257 last year by holding a quiz and running a marathon in 10 days.

This time, he wanted to complete the challenging 26.2 miles in just seven days, and, despite the rain, snow and ice he totally smashed it – along with his fundraising target of £100.

Dexter said: “I’m really pleased I managed to finish my running in seven days.

"I didn’t always feel like going because it was so cold, one day it was -5 degrees, but reading the messages on my JustGiving page and knowing that what I was doing was helping my local hospital kept me going.

“I also wanted to do it in honour of Captain Sir Tom Moore, who during the first lockdown showed me that if you want to do something, you should do it, and be proud and positive and happy that you are helping others.”

Keeping Dexter company on his runs was mum, Samantha, who said: “Dexter is such a lovely giving boy, he is always thinking of others and helping them where he can.

"As for many, lockdown turned his life upside down with the restrictions on social interactions, and doing these challenges has helped friends, family and others come together for a common good.

"We are all so proud of him for encouraging people to be more thoughtful and to support our fabulous local NHS staff.”

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Dexter’s donations are being used to support the wellbeing of staff and patients across the RBH.

Jo Warrior, director of Royal Berks Charity, said: “We think Dexter is an absolute superstar and a real inspiration to others who want to fundraise.

"Everyone at the Royal Berks would like to say a huge thank you for his thoughtfulness and an enormous well done for his fundraising achievement.”