Most eight-year-old boys might dream of becoming a train driver or astronaut when they grow up, or even a professional footballer.

North Norfolk News: Alfie Oswick, 8, is raising money for Dereham Cancer Care. Picture: ANTONY KELLYAlfie Oswick, 8, is raising money for Dereham Cancer Care. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

But Alfie Oswick has quite a different career in mind - he wants to be a scientist and cure cancer.

It's no lowly ambition and while he won't be able to achieve that for a few years he has set his sights on raising money for cancer charity and research in the meantime.

Of course he doesn't just want to raise a few pounds. Alfie, who lives in Cawston, near Reepham, thinks a billion pounds is a reasonable target and has launched Alfie's Awesome Appeal.

The bright youngster, who attends Cawston primary academy, has been inspired on his fundraising journey for three very personal reasons.

North Norfolk News: Jennifer Oswick, Alfie Oswick and Janet Money at Dereham Cancer Care Christmas coffee morning.Jennifer Oswick, Alfie Oswick and Janet Money at Dereham Cancer Care Christmas coffee morning. (Image: Dereham Cancer Care)

When he was just five years old his mum, Jennifer, was diagnosed with skin cancer. The year before he lost his great grandmother to cancer and a year later lost his great grandad to the same disease.

Fortunately his mum, a fitness trainer, was successfully treated and is now in remission but the affect on Alfie has been profound.

'I want to raise lots of money so they can find a cure for cancer and help people who are suffering,' he said.

Alfie has decided to raise money specifically for Dereham Cancer Care, a charity that offers support, friendship and information to cancer patients, their families and carers.

North Norfolk News: Jennifer Oswick, bottom left with stripy socks and pink trainers, with friends after a fun run to raise money for Dereham Cancer Care. Picture: Daniel OswickJennifer Oswick, bottom left with stripy socks and pink trainers, with friends after a fun run to raise money for Dereham Cancer Care. Picture: Daniel Oswick (Image: Daniel Oswick)

When great grandad Royston Payne, who lived in Foulsham, was suffering from dementia and cancer the centre in Baldings Yard in Dereham was a huge support to the family and continues to do so today.

Mrs Oswick said: 'Alfie is so compassionate and is always worrying about others.

'At the centre's coffee morning last week Alfie wanted to take some money to donate by himself. He scoured the house collecting any pennies and coins he could find and managed to find 59p. His face when he emptied his pockets into the donation bucket was priceless, he was so proud.

'Then he said he is not going to ask Father Christmas for toys next year as all he wants is a billion pound cheque for Dereham Cancer Care.'

To start with Alfie is planning to ask for donations from people who watch his YouTube videos. He has his own channel called Awesome Kidz where he uploads videos of game reviews and of him playing games.

He will also be taking requests and accepting challenges in return for donations until November 25, in time to give Dereham Cancer Care a cheque for Christmas.

Mrs Oswick added: 'We may not make the billion pounds Alfie hopes for but any donations will be more than appreciated by Alfie and Dereham Cancer Care.'

* To donate to the appeal go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/alfiesawesomeappeal or to set Alfie a challenge in return for a donation contact Mrs Oswick by email to jynks2001@hotmail.com.

'So caring'

Jennifer Oswick was diagnosed in 2013 with a melanoma skin cancer on her back.

She was the second youngest case recorded at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital at just 25 years old.

Alfie was aged five and his younger brother Charlie was just a year old.

Mrs Oswick said: 'Alfie was great at keeping me comfortable after my operations and he helped his daddy Daniel with his younger brother. I couldn't lift anything or play with him but he was so caring.

'Unfortunately the next year Alfie lost his great grandad 'tick tock' who he had a special bond with, to dementia and cancer. He spent the next few days worrying about everyone else and trying to stop them getting too upset.'

Mrs Oswick has been in remission for nearly four years and is now running her own fitness business.

They started raising money for Dereham Cancer Care when great grandad Royston Payne started visiting the centre in Baldings Yard. He sadly died aged 73.

As a family they have already raised £3,800 by holding events and running sponsored obstacle courses.