Northampton seven-year-old inspired by Captain Sir Tom takes on goal scoring marathon for NHS

A young lad from Northampton who was inspired by the efforts of Captain Sir Tom Moore has taken on his own marathon challenge.

Josh Major, who is football-mad and plays for Gregory Celtic under 8s, has been missing the sport greatly during lockdown.

The seven-year-old, from Duston, decided he wanted to take on a similar kind of challenge to that of Captain Sir Tom and incorporate his beloved football too.

During half term - this week - Josh set himself a challenge to score 500 goals against his mum or dad in their back garden.

Josh’s mum, Beccy Major, said: “As many people have been, Josh was inspired by Captain Tom and he wanted to do something similar to him.

“His friend’s brother has been in and out of hospital with leukaemia and I work at Berrywood so he has always been aware of the NHS and has made cakes previously to raise money.

“But he wanted to do something bigger and he wanted to give back to those who are looking after his friend's brother.”

So far, Josh has managed to score 300 of his 500 goals and has a few days left to score the remaining 200 goals before half term ends.

Beccy added: “We have been going out in all weather.

“We’ve been going out every day for half an hour or an hour. It takes a lot longer with dad as he is better in goal, but Josh scores them a lot quicker with mum in goal.

“He has been really enjoying it, mum and dad less so though. He has a lot of power behind some of those shots!”

When Josh first set out to complete the challenge, he hoped to raise £100 or £150, but he has now raised more than £600, at time of writing.

“We shared it on social media and on our local page and people have just been really generous,” Beccy continued.

“We’re always very proud of Josh, but even more so that he came up with this idea as he wanted to help.

“It has also been lovely to be a part of it with him.”

Josh added: “I’m amazed. I didn’t expect to raise this much. It has gone a bit mad.”

To sponsor Josh, visit his JustGiving page here.

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