A PERSISTENT schoolboy who was inspired to tackle homelessness after receiving a fitness watch has completed a unique fundraising challenge.

Seven-year-old Oscar McCarthy decided to walk 100,000 steps in one day to raise money for Launchpad with his father Sean by walking from his home in Caversham to Marlow and back.

The Caversham Heights Primary pupil had previously taken part in a number of charity events and completed the challenge after more than 14 hours and 55km of walking.

Oscar said: "The charity I am raising money for is Launchpad Reading. I chose Launchpad because they give people homes.

"I know about them because they came into my school. I walked to Marlow and back with my daddy.

"It was tough but I was happy to do it and to finish. Please can you sponsor me to give me money for Launchpad."

The primary school pupil recently received a Garmin activity tracker for his birthday and was inspired to tackle the town's growing fight against homelessness after the charity gave assembly at Caversham Heights.

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Oscar and his father sported bright yellow shirts and head torches, as they made their way to Marlow along the Thames Path.

His mother Alice said: “I am so proud of this mammoth effort from my amazingly determined little boy.

"I am not sure I know too many adults who could have done that, let alone a seven-year-old."

The duo started shortly after 6am and returned home at 9.30pm, having raised more than £1,500 for Launchpad.

Along the way, he was spurred on by supportive messages and a running total from his donation page.

Amanda McDonnell, marketing manager for Launchpad, added: “We can’t believe what Oscar achieved.

"When we first heard about his fundraising walk at Launchpad we thought there was a typo and it was going to be 10,000 steps which would have been a challenge for a seven-year-old.

"We are all amazed that Oscar managed to achieve 100,000 steps and raise over £1,500.”

Click here to make a donation to the fundraising page, which will be open until November 21.