AN EAST Lothian swimmer undertook a fitness challenge to raise more than £450 to help homeless people during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Joel Begg, 12, from Athelstaneford, took part in The 2.6 Challenge last month, on what should have been the date of the 40th London Marathon.

Joel, a member of East Lothian Swim Team and Musselburgh Amateur Swimming Club, decided to raise funds for Shelter, the homeless and housing charity.

He completed 26 press-ups, 26 burpees (combination of jumps and squats), 26 minutes doing flips on the trampoline, 26 minutes skipping and, finally, a 2.6km run.

His efforts surpassed his initial target of £100 and so far he has raised £501.

Joel, a pupil at North Berwick High School, said: “I wanted to raise funds for Shelter because we are told every day to stay home and so it must be even more frightening for people who have no home to stay in.

“Also, with the streets being empty, there is no one who can give them food and change.”

He added: “The people who have donated money have been incredibly generous and I want to say thank you to them.”

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said: “Our services are as busy as ever – providing advice and support to people who don’t have a safe and permanent place to live or who are facing financial hardship and can’t put food on the table.”

To donate to Joel’s fundraising appeal go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joel-begg