A YOUNG Pudsey fanatic has bravely overcome the challenges he battles on a daily basis to raise hundreds of pounds for a charity close to his heart.
Oliver Howe, nine, lives in Harwich with mum Sam, 35, dad Alex, 39, and younger brothers Charlie, eight, and Noah, four.
The Chase Lane Primary School pupil was diagnosed with autism in June 2016 and then ADHD just shy of four years later in March 2020.
As a result of living with those disorders, Oliver struggles with sensory processing, anxiety, painful joints, social communication and understanding sounds and spoken words.
Despite the difficulties he endures regularly, the inspiring young boy decided to step out of his comfort zone with a view of raising hundreds of pounds for Children in Need. The charity’s appeal day is today.
After secretly raiding his mum’s nail varnish draw, he took it upon himself to paint his nails a bright glittery red “for Pudsey” - something he would never usually do.
“He came down Monday evening and proudly showed us his nails as he wanted to do something out of his comfort zone,” said mum Sam.
“He proudly told us he wanted to do something to raise awareness and money for his favourite charity.
“So I popped it on my Facebook page to see if anyone had a few spare pennies and hoped he’d raise maybe £20 or £30 to put a smile on his face.
"But it went crazy and people were so supportive of him and he was thrilled when he woke up the next day to see he almost hit £150.”
Oliver has loved Pudsey for as long as his parents can remember and every year from the start of September through to Children in Need in November he watches old footage on YouTube.
He also loves looking up Children in Need merchandise and drawing his favourite yellow bear, and the charity’s mascot Pudsey even made a surprise appearance for Oliver’s seventh birthday.
The fundraiser also dreams of one day working for the BBC so he can help with Children in Need or go one better and present it.
Since Oliver painted his nails his efforts have continued to garner a positive reaction and he has raised more than £500 for the charity.
Sam added: “As parents, we are extremely proud of Oliver.
“He has really struggled since lockdown and has faced a lot that has caused him a great deal of unhappiness, but to see his enthusiasm and kindness to help others like him is just amazing.
“We cannot thank each and every person who has donated enough. It has brought so much happiness to Oliver and he has been so overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness, as have we.”
To donate, visit facebook.com/sam.howe.7.
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