A BASINGSTOKE schoolboy has challenged himself to walk 201km in one month in aid of five charities close to his heart.

Eight-year-old Ethan Bullock, who attends Hatch Warren Junior School, will spend the rest of his summer holidays between August 4 and September 4 covering a minimum of 6.7km daily, rain or shine, to support the five charities he has chosen.

They are: Brain Tumour Charity; The British Red Cross; Cancer Research UK; The Climate Coalition; and NHS Charities Together.

He is aiming to raise £500 and will split the fundraising efforts equally across the five charities.

The youngster, who lives on Worcester Avenue, Hatch Warren, first brought up the idea to his mum, Elaine, while on a walk at Blackwood Forest.

Speaking to the Gazette, Elaine said: “Ethan told me how he felt inspired by Captain Tom and a teacher at his school who had recently run the distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

“He said he wanted to help people, and the environment and especially wanted to raise money for climate change, refugees, supporting people affected by cancer, and particularly for the NHS after the past 18 months to appreciate all the amazing work all the doctors and nurses had been doing.”

Ethan’s uncle works for the British Red Cross, and his Nana was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2019 but thankful was able to have it removed and is recovering well.

Elaine continued: “I was initially apprehensive about Ethan doing it, but he was so determined and wouldn’t be put off by me telling him how hard it would be.

“Me and my husband are incredibly proud that an eight-year old would do this and put so much time and effort during his whole summer holidays to complete it.”

Ethan’s initial goal was to raise £10, but when his mum told him she would sponsor him £50, he changed his target to a “silly number” of £500 and has already smashed his target.

Eaine added: “He is blown away by people’s generosity and keeps doing a little dance every time he sees a donation come through. It would mean so much to him to have any support at all.”

To donate to Ethan’s cause, visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Ethansinsane201k