‘Super’ Shay’s big challenge in honour of cousin Evie-May for Sheffield's Bluebell Wood

Owls superfan ‘Super’ Shay O’Grady, from Ecclesfield, will complete a charity walk, swim and cycle in the coming months, for his cousin, nine-year-old Evie-May O’Grady Askwith, who has a rare chromosome disorder.

The tencious youngster is already seven weeks into the challenge, which will see him swim the 6,000 metre distance from Bramall Lane to Hillsborough. The challenge will culminate on February 8 next year, when he’ll walk from Hillsborough to Barnsley’s Oakwell stadium ahead of the South Yorkshire derby. Once the match is over, he plans to tandem cycle back to his home turf at Hillsborough.

Shay’s dad, Jason, said: “He just wants to do as much as he can for Evie-Mae and for Bluebell Wood – that’s what drives him.

“They think the world of each other and being the same age, they’ve always been close. He’s always done things for her and tried to help her however he can.”

Evie-Mae’s condition means she can’t walk or talk and needs round the clock care. She’s been visiting Bluebell Wood for a number of years for respite care and other events and activities.

Owls chairman Dejphon Chansiri was so impressed with Shay’s determination, after hearing about his challenge, that he pledged to match his fundraising total of £5,000.