A 13-year-old Ballakermeen High School student is gearing up to take on the Raad ny Foillan, with the aim of raising £2,500 for charity.
Jake Hodgson, from Douglas, will be walking the 100 mile-long coastal footpath at the end of May to raise money for Rebecca House Children’s Hospice Isle of Man.
’I cannot wait, as I like to walk,’ Jake said. ’I was in Scouts at one point talking about the different walks around the island and I asked "what’s the biggest walk here?" They told me it was the Raad ny Foillan.
’I decided I would do it for charity because I don’t like seeing kids being ill in bed and thought about those in the hospice who can’t get outside.’
Jake will set off for his 100 mile adventure on May 31 from the Sea Terminal. He will be accompanied by family friend Lee Notman and will also camp out overnight. His target is to complete the path in two days.
’The maximum I want to do it in is three days, but I’m going to go as fast as I can try and do 50 miles a day.
’Robbie Callister, who has won the Parish Walk before and completed the Raad ny Foillan in two days, is also supporting me and my mum, Lisa, is going to do the car support.
’Mum, dad and my sister, Carys, have been supporting me and some of my teachers and friends have been too. Someone donated £210, which I was really happy about!’
When asked how he was preparing for the walk, he replied: ’I’ve been walking the Millennium Way, which is from Ramsey to Castletown. I also go cycling and I’ve been doing boxing every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
’Lots of kids I know at school have a go at me for not liking the same things as them like video gaming, but I love being outdoors and I love fresh air.
’I’m looking forward to seeing different views in the Isle of Man and seeing things I haven’t seen before. Hopefully the weather will be good with nice sunsets.
’One of the challenges I might face are steep hills, but I’ll just battle through them,’ he added.
Jake’s father, Craig Hodgson, said: ’Jake only turned 13 in March, so this is a big challenge for someone so young as he wants to try and complete it in three days and camp out each night.
’Jake came up with the idea. I’m really proud of him and I’m sure he’ll achieve it, he’s got the determination to do it. For instance, he’s been getting up at 5am to go cycling, while I’m still in bed!
’We’ve set up a Facebook page called ’Jake’s Challenge - Raad ny Foillan - 100 Mile Coastal Walk’ and we’re hoping to get a tracker so everyone can see where he is at.’
When asked if he was a walker himself, he replied: ’Not really, but I’ve done the Millennium Way with Jake before.’
Find out more by searching Jake’s Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/Jake-Hodgson8