ALL across Oxfordshire, groups of children are working to fulfil Skye Hall’s dying wish to make the world’s longest loom band.

The five-year-old, who has only weeks to live, has been battling a brain tumour for a year.

His parents have launched the Loom to the Moon appeal, to try to make the world’s longest loom band.

The craze sees children use plastic tools or their own fingers to weave small, coloured bands (looms) into bracelets, necklaces and charms. More than three million looms have been sold since the toy hit the shelves in 2011.

The idea for the challenge came when Skye, who lives in Abingdon, was making loom bands while receiving treatment in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber for hours at a time.

The staff at the treatment centre joked that they were sending him to the moon every time they locked the door and counted down for the pressurization to start.

His mum Sally, 36, said: “And, typical Skye, he turned to me and asked how many loom bands it would take to get to the moon. We were giggling and saying ‘Loom to the moon’ over and over again, and it all started there.”

The Loom to the Moon appeal has more than 9,600 likes on Facebook, and the family has received more than 6,500 metres of loom bands – equivalent to three-quarters of the height of Everest.

Mrs Hall, who is also mum to Jesse, two, said: “It’s completely amazing how this has taken off and how many people want to help Skye.

“In just days we’ve had metres and metres sent into us.It’s completely mental.”

Megan Davies, 10, from Blackbird Leys, is working on her long loom band after spotting the appeal on Facebook.

Megan has been working on her giant band with friends Annabel Lally, 11, and nine-year-old Jasmine Crowford at Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground.

She said: “I don’t really have much time at home so I thought I’d bring it here.

“We’ve done 46 metres so far.”

Annabel, from Blackbird Leys, said: “It’s nice because then Skye knows that there are more people out there that are actually helping him.”

Rose Hill resident Jasmine added: “It’s lots of fun because we can talk and do it together.”

Oxford United are also pitching in, and encouraging fans to get involved.

Peter Rhoades-Brown, the club’s business development manager, said: “I know Sally and there are people in the club who know Skye’s dad, Andy.

“At the next Oxford United event we’ll have an area where fans can give their loom bands.

“It actually doesn’t take that long – my family have made 15 metres in quite a short time.

“If we could get a loop of the pitch in yellow and blue that would be amazing.”

To learn more about Loom to the Moon, like the Facebook page at facebook.com/ loomtothemoon. Post your bands to 59 Hendred Way, Abingdon, OX14 2AW

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