A KIND-HEARTED youngster who requires a walking frame and a therapy bike to get around is attempting to walk, swim, cycle and ski the distance between North Berwick and Manchester as he prepares to watch his favourite football team in action.

Charlie Kay is hoping to clock up 179 miles all around East Lothian before April 7 to support two county charities.

The distance is the same as between Charlie’s home town and the Etihad Stadium, home of Charlie’s beloved football team Manchester City.

The 10-year-old started the challenge in January and is hoping to reach his goal before he travels to the Manchester derby between City and arch-rivals Manchester United on April 7.

The Law Primary School pupil, who has cerebral palsy, has undergone major operations in recent years – a selective dorsal rhizobium (SDR) in Bristol four years ago; mid-foot bone fusion and toe fusion; and hamstring and calf lengthening at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.

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Mum Melanie said: “Each surgery has required a huge amount of rehabilitation for Charlie but through his challenges he has worked hard to recover strength while giving back and saying thanks to the local and wider community.

“In last last few years, Charlie has completed a mini triathlon for improvements in the Law Primary playground, he has completed the ‘Yes I Can’ challenge throughout the [2016] Paralympics, completing a tough task each day of the games and raising money for East Lothian Special Needs Playscheme.

“He has completed a swimming challenge, swimming 2.68 miles in one month raising money for North Berwick Rotary Club."

And on her son’s latest challenge, which is raising money for Muirfield Riding Therapy and East Lothian Special Needs Playscheme, Melanie said: “Charlie is a besotted Manchester City fan who has never been to one of their matches and certainly never to the Etihad.

“We bought him tickets to the Man City versus Man United derby on April 7 so Charlie decided to embark on this challenge.

“It has been the toughest challenge yet, with illness and injuries all getting in the way, but he is determined to achieve it.”

He has already completed a large chunk of the mileage – and has just over 50 miles to go to reach his target.

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On Saturday, the Law Primary youngster walked five miles in the Lodge Grounds in his home town, with support from neighbours and members of the Guides and Cubs.

Melanie added: “Charlie’s outlook and determination is amazing. He has such a positive ‘can do’ attitude.”

Anyone who wants to contribute to the 10-year-old’s efforts is being asked to consider a £2 donation, split between the two causes.

Buckets will be available in North Berwick Sports Centre and the town’s community centre.

Alternatively, email Melanie at melkay@btinternet.com