Fourteen-year-old Jake Hodgson of Douglas is taking up the challenge of cycling, running and walking across Ireland, the Isle of Man and the UK in just 12 days, starting on Thursday, April 2, to raise money for three charities including Alzheimer’s Society.

Jake who loves the outdoors, especially walking, which he first got involved in when he was in the Scouts, has taken on other epic walking challenges.

He has already raised money in the past for Isle of Man Hospice and Rebecca House Children’s Hospice but decided to add Alzheimer’s Society to the list too, as he is aware that some patients in a hospice are living with dementia.

Craig Hodgson, Jake’s dad, said: ’Jake is very much excited about the challenge, but is also aware it will be tough.

’He came up with the idea of the challenge himself. Cycling and running were new to him, so it meant in only eight months, has he had to learn two new skills to be able to complete the challenge.’

Craig added: ’He knows he can walk the UK in nine days, so he hopes to reduce that to eight, a day to cycle the 180+ miles across Ireland and a day to run the 12 miles across the Isle of Man all in 12 days, which includes the transport to each country too.

’The Coast to Coast walk in the UK, will take him through the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. Jake hopes that other people will follow suit and attempt the challenge so that it becomes popular, like the Three Peaks Challenge in the UK.;

The Alzheimer’s Society’s community fundraiser for Isle of Man, Amy Blackburn, said: ’It’s wonderful that Jake is giving his time to support Alzheimer’s Society.

’Dementia devastates lives, but dementia won’t win. Until the day we find a cure we will be here for anyone affected by dementia, where they are, whatever they’re going through. We need more people like Jake to join us now and unite against dementia.’

Jake hopes to raise £15,000 for Alzheimer’s Society. His father Craig and mother Lisa, will be doing the back up for Jake.

To sponsor Jake visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/3countrychallenge