A 14-year-old Douglas student who is preparing to walk the width of England for charity has already raised £11,000.

Jake Hodgson will embark on his biggest trek yet for Rebecca House children’s hospice, of which he is a young ambassador, starting from St Bees Head in Cumbria and finishing at Robin Hood Bay in Whitby.

He aims to complete the 196-mile walk in nine days, climbing more than 2,500 feet at three points and passing through three national parks - the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors - along the journey.

He hopes to raised a massive £15,000 for the Manx charity.

’I’m excited about the walk and a bit nervous, but it should be fine,’ he told the Examiner. ’In the Lake District there’ll be areas that are harder, but I’m excited as it’ll be a challenge.’

This weekend Jake was announced as the first person to cross the finish line in the Harbour to Harbour race in the under-18s category. He was also the third person overall to finish. ’It was quite an achievement,’ he said.

He has been training for the big walk for months, encouraging others to join in by completing the Millennium Way to help raise money towards his target.

Last year he raised £7,150 for the charity after completing the Raad ny Foillan over two days, which he described as ’challenging’ with ’beautiful’ views.

Following the walk, he felt compelled to do more for the charity.

Jake said: ’I want to help anyone in hospice who have to suffer through their illnesses. I feel really sorry for them and especially for their families.’

He will begin his trek on July 21 and will have five time Parish Walker winner Robbie Callister and others joining him along the way with his dad Craig, mum Lisa and sister Carys supporting his adventure.

The Steam Packet, Microgaming, Simcocks, Maitland and other companies have provided financial support.

For more, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jake-hodgson8