A teenager from Ipswich is cycling 300 miles this month to raise money for charity in memory of his grandfather.

Ipswich Star: Charlie is already a keen cyclist, taking part in a host of Cycle Speedway, Cyclocross and road racing events. Picture: SEANA HUGHESCharlie is already a keen cyclist, taking part in a host of Cycle Speedway, Cyclocross and road racing events. Picture: SEANA HUGHES

Claydon High School student Charlie Johnson, 13, has already racked up 60 miles on the clock, squeezing in cycling sessions when he can in his busy schedule.

Charlie is already a keen cyclist, taking part in a host of Cycle Speedway, Cyclocross and road racing events as well enjoying getting on his mountain bike.

He is raising money for the Woolverstone Project, a charity that provides sailing opportunities and tuition for people with various physical and sensory disabilities as well as those with behavioural problems.

Charlie’s grandfather Stan Johnson, from Haughley near Stowmarket, who died in May at the age of 72, was a committee member and volunteer with the charity.

Ipswich Star: Charlie is taking on the challenge in memory of his grandfather Stan, who passed away in May. Picture: IAN JOHNSONCharlie is taking on the challenge in memory of his grandfather Stan, who passed away in May. Picture: IAN JOHNSON (Image: Archant)

Charlie said his grandfather was a real inspiration to him.

“My grand-dad passed away in May and he has always been a sailor and got me into sailing,” said Charlie.

“He taught me everything I know about the water - boats, canoeing, sailing.

“He was a very nice man as well.

Ipswich Star: Charlie has already clocked up more than 60 miles towards his challenge .Picture: SEANA HUGHESCharlie has already clocked up more than 60 miles towards his challenge .Picture: SEANA HUGHES

“He was very inspirational and a big part of my life.

“He helped the charity to help disabled people get on the water so I wanted to help them too.

“I have done around 60 miles now, I am hoping to go out for another ride later today.

“I am trying to pack in the miles now because I have quite a lot of racing at the weekend.”

His dad Ian said he was very proud of his son’s fundraising campaign.

He said: “My dad was a hero to Charlie and many people in fact, and me as well.

“I hadn’t fully realised until recently how long and how involved my dad was with the charity.

“He must have been with them for more than 10 years.

“He was on the charity’s committee and always had with him a big bag of tools fixing boats and canoes.

“I am very proud of Charlie.

“He is a very thoughtful chap and is always there to help out.”

For more information on Charlie’s cycling challenge and to donate see here.

For more on the Woolverstone project see here.