Ryders Hayes Primary School launches 'The Oscar Mile' to create daily mile track in memory of Oscar Till
“Oscar brought joy to everyone he met. By creating The Oscar Mile, we will keep his spirit alive and ensure every child benefits from regular exercise and time outdoors,” said Jaz Paul, CEO of Ryders Hayes Primary School.
Ryders Hayes is seeking support to fund a vital new initiative: The Oscar Mile — a Daily Mile track to be built in memory of 10-year-old Oscar Till, a vibrant and much-loved pupil who sadly passed away last October.
Oscar was known for his courage, kindness, and energy — often described as “fast and fearless”. On the playground, he soared like the wind, an admired team player and formidable defender. Beyond sports, he was gentle, polite, loyal, and endlessly generous with his time and friendship. Oscar brought warmth and light to everyone around him, and his absence is deeply felt.
The Oscar Mile will be a 1200mm-wide path meandering around the internal perimeter of the school field, built in Oscar’s favourite colours — blue and green. It will serve as a lasting tribute to his life and character, supporting the physical, emotional, and social development of over 500 children, including 100+ vulnerable pupils with SEND and mobility needs.
“This project will directly address the SEMH (social, emotional, and mental health) needs of our pupils, reducing the risk of mental health issues in later life.”
Children aged 2 to 5 will use the track for motor development activities with tricycles, while older pupils will benefit from outdoor movement, structured play, and daily mental health breaks. Importantly, the surface will allow year-round use, including access for children with mobility challenges who currently struggle on grass.
Research from Stanford University (Bratman et al., 2015) found that walking in nature reduces activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex — a region linked to repetitive negative thoughts often associated with anxiety and depression. A separate meta-analysis in Mental Health and Physical Activity (2013) also confirmed walking’s effectiveness in improving mood and reducing depression symptoms.
Target: £45,000
The school aims to raise £45,000 via its JustGiving page. Every donation brings them closer to turning this vision into reality.
Donate or share here: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rydershayesschool-oscarmile
