A FUNDRAISING boy from Cleobury Mortimer raised more than £330 in memory of his nan by running a marathon during his school lunchtime breaks.

Nine-year-old Jamie Ray, who has just finished Year 4 at Kinlet Church of England School, took it upon himself to raise money by running 105 laps of his school field across 16 days.

He was inspired to take on the challenge for Cancer Research UK in memory of his nan Pat Shippam, who died suddenly of cancer in February at the age of 76.

Jamie said: "It was a hard challenge because it's a long way for a not very sporty nine-year-old boy. I don't know how I finished it as it was tiring.

"I had hoped to raise about £100. Mum says I have smashed that so I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has sponsored me."

Proud Mum Denise Shippam added: "He finished 26-and-a-quarter miles and then completed an extra lap with his classmates cheering him on, which was lovely.

"He has raised over £330 with money still coming in. He found asking people to sponsor him the toughest bit, but he has been overwhelmed by how generous people have been.

"I’m really proud of him especially as it was his idea to do it.

"He said he would like to do something for Cancer Research because his nan died very suddenly although he didn’t know how long a marathon was.

"Some of the times his friends would run with him to encourage him.

"He is not a runner or part of an athletics club, so he wasn’t sure he could do it as first but as it got a bit closer he could see the end in sight.

"I’m so proud of the determination to see it through and my mother would have been overwhelmed.

"He has got a huge heart. He absolutely adored his nan and she was always there with cuddles. She was always so positive and we have so many happy memories."

To donate to Jamie’s challenge, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Jamie-MarathonChallenge.