An eight-year-old boy is running and cycling a whopping 78 miles - the equivalent of the distance from Sittingbourne to Cambridge - in memory of his great nan.

Teddy Parker, from Sittingbourne, is undertaking the charity challenge to raise money for Dementia UK after Margaret Hayes, died on October 1, 10 years after being diagnosed with the illness.

Teddy’s mum, Amy, said: “He wanted to do something in her memory. He couldn’t go to her funeral so he wanted to do something else to mark her life.

“Teddy likes the idea of research being done as well to prevent other families from going through the same, that’s why he chose to give all the money raised to Dementia UK.

“He was so upset there was nothing doctors could do for his nan, so he wanted to do something to help other families.”

The 35-year-old added: “He’s decided to run and cycle 78 miles, a mile for each year of his nan’s life.”

Teddy, who said he was prepared to run and cycle in rain, wind or snow for the cause, started his challenge on Monday with a 3.6-mile bike ride. He hopes to finish it at the end of November.

A fundraising campaign has been set up for the cause and, within eight days, the youngster had already raised about £815.

Amy said: “He was shocked when he got his first £20, he was over the moon. We then put the target up to £150 and he got that in an hour so we put it up again. There are people who have donated that we haven’t even met – it’s just been amazing.”

She added: “We are very proud of Teddy and are hoping that he will inspire others.

“He’s an eight-year-old boy; it just goes to show if you put your mind to it, you can do anything.

“Teddy doing this has also helped lift the spirits of the family, helping turn a negative into a positive.” To donate, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne