East Lothian boy, 11, smashes 'marathon in a month' challenge 20 days ahead of schedule but vows to 'keep running' for Cancer Research UK

He's already smashed his initial goal of running a marathon in a month by about 20 days.

But 11-year-old William Arkwright, from Gifford in East Lothian, now has the running 'bug' and plans to keep going with the challenge for another three weeks in aid of Cancer Research UK.

His mother, Emily Arkwright, told the Evening News her son has reached his initial target of £1,000 but would love to keep the donations coming in and help in the fight against the illness, which has affected a number of people known to the family.

The 40-year-old mother of two said: "It's something completely different for him, away from the classroom, and with homeschooling during the lockdown it's been me and him and there have been a few arguments - but this is taking someone who finds it hard and letting him be independent and run free. He has a creative and sporty streak in him and maybe this helps.

William has been recording his routes and times on the running app Strava.

"It's definitely surprised me that he's managed to achieve this. It's taken me by storm and he has taken it on the chin and just keeps running."

Mrs Arkwright said she is "impressed" by her son's dedication to the marathon challenge which she'd initially given him a month to complete - but he reached the 26.2 mile mark on Monday after 10 days.

The youngster, who hadn't done much exercise beforehand, mixes up his routes locally and records them on the running app Strava and a few days ago he managed a seven mile stint.

Mrs Arkwright has now increased William's running target to 40 miles in a bid to help bring in some more donations for the charity.

She added: "If the donations keep coming in he will keep running. Every time we get some donations he just says, 'this is brilliant.'"

If you'd like to donate please visit the website HERE.

William had raised £1,045 for Cancer Research UK as of Monday evening.