A mini-fundraiser put his best foot forward for charity by taking part in an epic challenge in East Lothian just four days before his third birthday.

James Gordon, who was staying with his dad William in Musselburgh, walked the final two-mile leg of the recent Alternative 3 Peaks route which saw 100 participants cross the finishing line in Prestonpans.

The intrepid youngster raised £274 for Headway which works to improve life for people after brain injury, adding to the overall total donated which currently stands at more than £5,000.

Father and son decided to get involved in the recent challenge to support organiser Fiona Grant-MacDonald, whom William, 38, has known since their days at Musselburgh Grammar School.

Fiona, 39, who made history as the first female principal in the history of Musselburgh’s Riding of the Marches, has been raising funds for Headway which helped her as she recovered from a brain haemorrhage almost five years ago.

William completed the whole challenge which saw 19 participants cycling to and then climbing three peaks including Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, North Berwick Law and the Hopetoun Monument at Byres Hill, ultimately cycling a total of 70 miles in between.

He was met by James at Port Seton who was cheered on by grandmum Cindy and grandad Jim, both from Musselburgh, as he enjoyed his first sponsored walk.

Cindy said: “James spent ages on the internet looking at head injuries. He was really interested and told us, ‘I did a walk to get pennies for the people with a sore head, to make them happy’.”

Members of Musselburgh’s Clark Community Choir, of which Fiona is a founder member, cycled part of the challenge including the youngest cyclist Caleb Robertson who completed 17 miles. Headway members also walked the final part of the route which ended at The Gothenburg pub, Prestonpans,

A team of 20 supporters were out in force, supplying water, food, fruit and vitamin drinks to participants.

Colin Beattie, MSP for Musselburgh, met the cyclists at their breakfast stop in Musselburgh where Caleb’s mum Kirsty, the choir’s musical director who also cycled in the challenge, had laid on a welcome buffet.

He said: “Fiona and her colleagues have put in an incredible shift and I take my hat off to them. Brain haemorrhages can change someone’s life, and those around them, profoundly and they can strike without warning.

“Headway East Lothian do fantastic work in helping those in the area who have suffered from such an illness and I’m delighted to see the charity benefit from the generosity of all who donated to Fiona’s cause.”

Fiona works as a senior physics technician at Preston Lodge High School, Prestonpans, and lives in the town.

She said: “We are hoping that the total raised might reach £6,000, including gift aid.

“The whole day was a brilliant success and the support crew was fantastic. I’d like to thank everyone who supported the challenge – they are amazing. James was just great and really enjoyed himself.”

said Fiona who lives in Prestonpans.