A TEENAGER has called upon his fierce determination to complete a 50km challenge for the NHS.
Jack Walmsley, from Harwood, had never run more than 2km before April 18 when he went out for a 5km jog with his mum Catherine.
But when he saw a picture in which a nurse had developed sores on the back of her ear after wearing a protective face mask on their shifts, the 13-year-old decided he wanted to do something to help.
The Bury Gymnastics Club member stepped up his running with his dad Phill, an experienced fell runner.
He then decided to set a target of running 50km in the space of a week, which he went on to smash on Sunday after a gruelling 18km trek, which took him and Phill to Turton Heights and the nearby reservoirs.
Jack ended up clocking 53.5km throughout the week.
Jack with his dad Phill
Jack in action
Burnley High School head teacher Phill, 40, said: "It was phenomenal what Jack has done, I am so proud of him.
"It was a really tough run on Sunday and he appreciated what it is like to be out and get lost in the countryside.
"When we got back to the house there was a finishing line with bunting for him and a couple of banners with 'Go Jack' on were being held up.
"My Mum and Dad were on the other side of the road cheering him on too - it was really nice.
"Jack was a bit emotional."
Jack being clapped by his dad as he reaches the finish line at his house
Jack and Phill after their gruelling 18km run on Sunday
Phill says the progress his son has made in the last few weeks is testament to Jack's "driven" character.
He said: "Jack is ridiculously determined, when we got back on Sunday he was asking how much more we have to run to do a half-marathon but I had to convince him that we had done enough and we could do that another time!
"He is extremely caring too. If there is someone upset he is the first person that takes it to heart.
"The amount of money that he has managed to raise, £1,350, is brilliant."
Jack will carry on making time for running in between his gymnastics commitments.
Speaking about his challenge, he said: "It was a bit tough and I am proud of how much money I have raised.
"It was really good and I enjoyed it."
To sponsor Jack through his GoFundMe page click here.
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