An appeal for a specialist wheelchair for a mum who has been unconscious for more than a year has been given a boost.

Cooper School pupil Josh Green ran 10 miles and raised £162 to help a woman he has never met.

Nichola Southey suffered a massive asthma attack in October 2010 and has been unconscious ever since.

Former travel agent Miss Southey was treated at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital, and last June moved to Tall Trees Nursing Home, at Shipton Under Wychwood.

Friends have held a string of fundraisers to hit the £10,000 total including a 1980s party and karaoke night, and more are planned, including a summer ball.

Nichola’s mum Pat Holmes, of Lincoln Close, Bicester, who cares for her granddaughter Madison, five, said: “I am overwhelmed that this young man should raise money for Nichola under his own initiative.

“I can’t thank him enough and I’m sure, with his caring attitude he is going to be very famous one day. Josh is a credit to his school.”

Mrs Holmes, 58, said getting the wheelchair was very important for Miss Southey’s rehabilitation and meant friends and family could take her outside.

Josh, 12, was sponsored by his family and friends to run 10 miles on a running machine at Bicester and Ploughley Sports Centre after hearing about Miss Southey’s plight.

He said: “I heard about Nichola’s condition during a school assembly and decided I wanted to do something to help.

“I did a 10-mile run on a treadmill at Bicester leisure centre and got sponsored. I’m pleased to be able to help.”