A Ballakermeen High School student has walked 200 miles across England, raising more than £16,000 for charity.

Jake Hodgson, 14, completed his challenge of walking from St Bees Head in Cumbria to Robin Hood Bay in Whitby to raise money for Rebecca House children’s hospice.

Supporting him on the blister-inducing trek were his parents Craig and Lisa, sister Carys, Parish Walker winner Robbie Callister, Rachel Kelly, Danny Ward, David Doyle and Kath Brondon.

Craig, who drove the support van, said: ’It’s been a great experience for him. He was really committed to it. The determination he has for his age keeps going - there’s no stopping him.

’The team did a fantastic job in encouraging him.’

Jake completed his 207- mile journey in nine days, walking through the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.

The team experienced difficult weather, including heavy rain and some of the hottest temperatures Britain has faced this year.

Jake said: ’The Lake District was tough and its mountains were brutal. Everyone was great, chatting to keep your mind off it. That made the time go quicker.’

His dad Craig added: ’By the end Jake was stronger and fitter because of the miles he was doing. It was just over 69 hours of active hours over the nine days.

’He was walking to the finish smiling as if he had only just started the walk.’

For every 10 miles Jake and the team completed they left a Manx flag and a rock with a message encouraging passersby to post a photo to his 200- mile walk Facebook page.

It has received a good response with people sending in their snaps of the Manx flag with positive comments. Some have donated towards the cause.

One of Jake’s idols, TT legend Guy Martin, even gave him a call to congratulate him.

’It was great - we’re good friends and I haven’t spoken to him in two years because he’s really busy. He was really impressed and asked how many hours I was walking each day and how my feet were,’ said Jake.

Craig added: ’He absolutely worships Guy. He shares the same interest in bikes as him. I didn’t tell Jake that it was Guy on the phone when I passed it to him. You could tell he recognised the voice and was really made up.’

The young ambassador for Rebecca House set himself the challenge of raising £15,000. His current amount is at £16,185.

To help raise donations towards his target and train ahead of the big walk, he has taken part in a series of group walks and races including the Harbour to Harbour race - in which he came first in the under-18s category and was third overall to finish.

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

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

Jake previously 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.’

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

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