Young Wigan cyclist raises £1k with ride to stadium for Latics

Five-year-old Ollie Cooper and his family are overwhelmed by the support they have received for the fund-raiser.
Young cyclist Ollie Cooper at the DW StadiumYoung cyclist Ollie Cooper at the DW Stadium
Young cyclist Ollie Cooper at the DW Stadium

The youngster originally set himself a target of raising £50 to help his club by pedalling from his home at Worthington Park to the DW Stadium.

However, the total was smashed within 24 hours of a crowd-funder going live online and Ollie has now brought in more than £1,100.

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He completed the 5.3 mile ride to the stadium on Bank Holiday Monday and has been congratulated on social media for his efforts by Wigan Athletic and the official supporters' club.

Ollie Cooper setting off on his fund-raising rideOllie Cooper setting off on his fund-raising ride
Ollie Cooper setting off on his fund-raising ride

Proud mum Sarah said Ollie decided to get on his bike for the team after his first full campaign as a season-ticket holder going to matches with his dad Liam.

She said: "He really enjoys going to watch the matches. He heard us and family members speaking about what a shame it would be if there wasn't a club any more.

"He and his dad were chatting one day and Liam said it would be nice to help. Ollie said he would ride his bike because he's been riding a lot this summer.

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"We're a bit shocked by the support and Ollie is overwhelmed by it. We just thought family and close friends would put a few pounds in but it has just gone crazy.

"To Ollie £50 is a lot of money so he just can't believe he's raised more than £1,000.

"it just shows what we are as a town that we will get behind somebody like this."

Wood Fold Primary School pupil Ollie wore a Wigan Athletic kit for his cycling challenge and also had a small Latics flag on the back of his bike.

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He is now thinking about possibly getting back in the saddle at some point to help the club further.

Sarah said it was important to her and Liam to support Wigan Athletic in a time of difficulty as they actually met for the first time at a match.

She said: "We have got so much from the football club that it would be nice to have that with our children and share that again.

"It's really special to us and we want our kids to have that same experience."

Find out more or donate at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ollie-cooper

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