A NINE-YEAR-OLD boy has raised more than £1,000 by running 572 laps of his garden - the equivalent of a marathon.

William McNamara, of Cockermouth, wanted to do his bit to support NHS staff and volunteers caring for coronavirus patients.

He initially decided to run two miles every day until he had completed a half marathon. Having completed that, he decided to double the distance.

Mum Charlotte Davies said: "He did two miles a day, sometimes without a break, often with me and sometimes hopping, skipping or running backwards! He chose the NHS charities because he wanted to help with the lack of PPE. I'm very proud of him."

William, a pupil at Lorton School, said: "I extended it to a marathon because I wanted to raise a least £1,00 and was enjoying it. I'm really pleased with how it went." To sponsor him, go to: justgiving.com/fundraising/william-mcnamara1.