A NINE-year old boy from Milton Abbot ran ten miles last week, in memory of his baby brother, Indiana. Dante Oakley, a Gulworthy Primary School pupil, took to the route around Burrator Reservoir with ease, proving he could be West Devon's very own answer to Mo Farrah. Onlookers, friends and family members cheered him on along the way on April 22 with words of encouragement and many 'high fives'. Dante, who was accompanied by his father Steve Oakley on his bike, completed the run in 1hour and 40minutes. After the death of his four month old brother Indiana on April 22, 2013, from an infection, Dante decided that he wanted to do something to commemorate his brother and raise funds — so he came up with a ten mile run for 'Indi Day'. Steve and Ally Oakley, Indiana's parents, suggested proceeds could go to Devon Air Ambulance as they know first hand how stretched the charity is. Ally said: 'We want to do something every year to keep Indiana's memory alive. The night we lost our boy the Devon Air Ambulance wasn't available, so we chose the charity as we hope we can help make a difference to someone else in the future. 'Dante did so well and he apparently talked the whole way round and kept up a 6mph average.' Steve said: 'It's our first year after losing our little lad and it's very emotional. 'The Devon Air Ambulance Trust is a great charity and although it wouldn't have saved our little boy it may help many others in the future. 'Dante set off at noon (on April 22) and got various words of support, high fives and more sponsorship as he ran the ten miles. 'He finished in less than one hour 45 minutes and was hardly out of breath, not bad for a nine-year-old. We are all very proud of him.' Dante's siblings Vincent and Wenzday are also doing what they can for charity in memory of their brother by holding a non uniform day at Gulworthy and Lamerton primary schools, and holding a cake sale.
In memory of baby Indiana
Tuesday 29th April 2014 10:00 pm
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Pictured above, left to right, are Ally Oakley, ‘Nanny Cha Cha’ Carol Turner, Dante, Steve Oakley, Vincent and Wenzday.
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