STUDENTS from a school in Ascot have joined forces to raise money to help find a cure for diabetes after their head boy was diagnosed with the condition.

10-YEAR-OLD Oliver Ward from the LVS Ascot Infant and Junior School was diagnosed with the condition in January this year and the news inspired him and his friends to sign up to the One Million Steps Challenge to raise money for diabetes UK.

The group of students are aiming to compete one million steps each from July 1 to September 30.

Oliver’s dad Matt Ward is also joining in with the challenge and believes it’s a good example of the schools’ values.

He said: “The fundraising was the pupils’ own idea and they have set everything up with minimal support from parents.

"It is a great example of the school values being put into practice. The lovely aspect of the initiative is that it has transcended different year groups and inspired a variety of kids and adults to get together as a team and work towards a joint goal.

“It will encourage us all to get more active and help charity in the process.”

Oliver went to the doctor after showing symptoms of type one diabetes including being tired, thirsty, getting thinner and needing the toilet more.

His initial shock has been replaced with a determination to do something positive.

Oliver added: “When I found out about my diabetes I was upset, and even more upset to find out there isn’t a cure.

"My friend Hamilton knew how I was feeling and when he saw about the million steps challenge we wanted to do it as a way of fighting back and helping others.

“The money we raise will go towards helping everyone with diabetes.”

In the build up to the three-month challenge, Oliver wants more students, parents and teaches form the school to complete the steps.

Rachael Cox, head of LVS Ascot Infant and Junior School, said: “We teach our students about the LVS Ascot Learning Values and Skills which include resilience, initiative, collaboration and empathy, and Olly’s Army have shown all of those in abundance to take the news so well and use it as inspiration to do something so positive.

“They are a fine example of the students we are developing here and I am hugely proud of them all.”

Each participant will need to walk at least 10,000 steps each day to stay on target to reach their million steps by the end of September.

For more information and to donate, visit: https://step.everydayhero.com/uk/olly-s-army-.