Footballer, 12, attempts 10,000 'keepy ups' for charity

A young football fan will attempt 10,000 'keepy ups' in a month to raise money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Ollie Chaplin, 12-years-old from Whitley Bay, has undertaken a number of activities to raise money for the North East cancer charity, including a World Cup sweepstake, raffling a football shirt and participating in the Junior Great North Run. Now, the Valley Gardens Middle School pupil will attempt to complete his challenge at St James’ Park before Newcastle United take on West Bromwich Albion on May 9.

Ollie plays for Monkseaton Juniors FC U12s Reds. He has been playing 'keepy up' everywhere he goes for the last three weeks, averaging over 350 a day. He has been given the opportunity to be a mascot at Newcastle United’s next home game so he can complete his challenge on the pitch in front of his family, friends - and tens of thousands of football fans.

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation helps find effective ways to detect and treat cancer. It funds projects, including the clinical trials of new drugs, that directly benefit patients from across the North East.