A KEEN sports enthusiast has set himself an ambitious lockdown challenge.

Northwich schoolboy Matty Ross hopes to cycle 874 miles, the distance from Lands End to John O'Groats on an exercise bike.

The 12-year-old has already clocked up his first 100 miles and raised more than £700 for St Luke's Hospice, where his dad Martin is a volunteer counsellor.

Matty plays rugby for Winnington Park Rugby club, hockey for Winnington Park Hockey Club and is a member of Northwich Cricket Club during the summer.

The Hartford sportsman has set up a JustGiving page and hopes to reach his £1,000 target.

Mum Clare, who works under her maiden name as Dr Clare Oxley at GP at Swanlow surgery in Winsford, said: "It was his idea. Because he loves his sport he was trying to think of ways to keep fit due to the impact of the Covid pandemic causing widespread restrictions to training and matches.

Northwich Guardian:

Dr Clare Oxley, a GP at Swanlow surgery in Winsford Picture: John Malam

"He is not a massive bike rider but this challenge is giving him the motivation to keep on going."

The St Nicholas Catholic High School pupil is remote learning at home and cycles during his lunch break and after lessons.

"We had discussed the impact Covid was having on charities not being able to do their normal fundraising activities," said Clare.

"His dad is a professional counsellor and volunteers at the hospice so Matty decided he wanted to do his bit to help.

"I am very proud of him, he is a lovely boy.

"He is grateful to everyone who has made donations as well as sent him messages of encouragement and support."

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/matty-rossco