A WOODLEY schoolboy has battled the elements to complete a gruelling fundraising challenge.
Dexter Rozier, 11, spent 100 nights sleeping in a tent in his garden to help raise money for Wokingham children’s charity First Days, in a stretch which concluded on October 7.
Negotiating storms, thunder, wind and rain during one of the country’s most inconsistent summers, the champion fundraising has raised £1,110 so far, surpassing his initial target of £1,000.
Speaking about his accomplishment, Dexter said: “I felt really proud. I know that when I do things like this I will never give up. It feels a bit weird sleeping in my bed now after 100 days in a sleeping bag.
“I got used to it and kind of miss it now.”
The Waingels student embarked on his mission at the end of the summer term, just after his 11th birthday, heading into his back garden armed with just his tent. Although homework was completed indoors, the challenge saw Dexter sleep outside every night.
A family holiday to Dorset couldn’t interrupt the youngster’s challenge as the youngster slept outside while his relatives slept in a caravan.
“It was a little bit scary to be honest,” Dexter explained. “There were days where I definitely wanted to come in, especially when there was thunder and lightning. I remember on Day 20 there was a lot of rain and it was really cold. It was hard, but I pushed through.
“Towards the end there were some holes in the tent which we had to tape up. Sometimes water would come through the tent window and I’d wake up with a puddle next to me.”
Dexter has taken part in a plethora of self-directed fundraising efforts, all motivated by a desire to help other children who are less fortunate than him. During the Covid-19 lockdown, he camped out in his garden to raise funds for the NHS, completed two marathons over the course of two weeks and took part in a decathlon of sporting events.
In the summer of 2021, the same desire to help others led to Dexter appearing on Good Morning Britain after an open letter he sent to England footballer Marcus Rashford went viral.
The Manchester United forward was the target of racial abuse following England’s defeat to Italy in the European Championships final, when he missed a penalty in the deciding shoot-out.
Dexter was swift to offer Mr Rashford solace, writing: “Last year, you inspired me to help people less fortunate [than me]. Then last night you inspired me again, to always be brave.”
His mind has already shifted to his next challenge, where he hopes to cycle from his home to Paris, where the Olympics will be held next year.
“I’m going to go into hardcore practice mode. It’ll be crazy, but it’ll be fun,” Dexter said.
His mother, Sam, although proud of his achievements, says she will ensure he takes some months to rest and “be a kid” before he starts his next quest.
She explained: “He wanted to do it this year, so I was relieved when he decided on the camping challenge. It’s amazing that he wants to do all this for other people. It really is a beautiful thing.”
For more information about Dexter’s challenge or to donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/dexter-rosier-1688540623008
