A Coast to Coast fundraiser for young Jack

Jack Gardner, 13, raised £1,800 for Cancer Research and Parkinson’s disease in memory of his grandfather who had Parkinson’s and died of cancer 10 years ago.

Jack showed a passion for big hikes at the age of eight. His love of walking, and Wainwright’s passion for the Lakes, inspired him to do the 192-mile route.

The youngster was one of the few to carry their own baggage whilst navigating by compass and map through the unmarked route.

It is a popular destination for keen hikers but according to the Gardners only two per cent of adults carry their own baggage along the 
route.

His father, Brian Gardner, said: “Only two per cent of adults walking the route carry their own baggage, but Jack walked the entire walk carrying his backpack containing clothes, water and food which is quite rare for such a young lad.

“When we went through Patterdale the man there said that out of the 100,000 who passed through, Jack was the youngest who was carrying his own stuff.”

Jack began his journey on July 25 and had already raised £750.

He finished on August 10 and raised the rest of the money whilst there.

Mr Gardner said: “People were so chuffed to see a young lad doing it. Me and my wife Sheila are very proud.”

In future Jack wants to do The West Highland Way in Scotland.