AN inspirational 11-year-old boy is tackling a 25-mile hike to raise money for a charity which supports his grandmother.

AN inspirational 11-year-old boy is tackling a 25-mile hike to raise money for a charity which supports his grandmother.

Harrison Smith, a pupil at Britannia Primary School in Ipswich, is hoping to raise around �100 with his mum and dad for The Rocket Team when he takes part in the Orwell Walk.

The charity supports people diagnosed with emphysema, a disease his grandmother suffers from.

Proud mum Julie Smith, a secretary at the Suffolk Mental Health Partnership, said: “Our son heard about the Orwell Walk and when I explained to him that it was a walk to raise money for the Rotary Club as well as your favourite charity, he immediately asked if we could help grandma.

“I explained about the Rocket Team being a charity that helps her, so he asked if we could walk it to raise money for the charity that helps grandma.

“I am so proud of him.”

Emphysema is a long-term, progressive disease that causes shortness of breath for sufferers. Lung tissues, which are required to retain the shape and function of the lung, are destroyed through gradual damage.

Harrison's grandmother, 65, who lives in Kettering, Northamptonshire, was diagnosed with the condition five years ago.

Since then, the disease has worsened, despite her receiving support from The Rocket Team, which has been a great source of help.

Mrs Smith said: “The Rocket Club is a small, local charity based in Kettering. They are a great help, which is why we are raising money for them in the Orwell Walk.”

Due to take place on June 28, the Orwell Walk is one of the biggest annual fundraising events in East Anglia, having raised more than �1million since its inception in 1977.

With 12, 18 and 25-mile distances available, participants follow the countryside route from Ipswich to Felixstowe.

Tell us why you're taking part in the Orwell Walk - Write to Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk