A TEENAGER from Taunton School is running 1,000 miles this year to raise money for a charity close to his heart.

Jack Malden, 17, has been running three miles each day and plans to take part in some half-marathons later this year.

He is embarking on the challenge to raise money for Bone Cancer Research.

Jack said: “A few years ago a family friend of ours died from bone cancer. “

His name was Alex and he’d just turned 22 when he died.

“I wanted to do something to help raise money, so my mum and I got thinking.

“I started running last year, and I thought it would be a good way to raise money, so I decided I’d run 1,000 miles over the year.

“It has been quite hard with the weather recently, but it’s all for a good cause.”

Bone cancer mainly affects young people aged between ten and 24, and its main symptoms are bone pain and swelling.

It is very hard to diagnose and often too late.

Jack is hoping to raise £5,000 and has already reached half his target.

He has been running five times a week since January, completing three to four miles each time.

The teen said: “My mum has been really great, and getting people to sponsor me and keep me going.

“My housemaster, Simon Smith, has been really supportive and so has everyone at school.

“I’m definitely going to do some half marathons throughout the year to help get the total number of miles up.

“I’m just glad I’m able to do something to help.”

To sponsor Jack, visit his JustGiving page – www.justgiving.com/Jack Malden2014

You can also learn more about Alex and the last few years of his life by visiting YouTube and searching for ‘Alex – A Life Fast Forward’.