A YOUNG lad from Chippenham is taking on a triathlon with a twist to raise money for a cause close to his heart.

Jack Tavener, 12, from Derriads Lane, has created the Jackathon – a 15km walk, followed by a 10km run and 20km bike ride – to raise money for Cancer Research UK after watching his aunt battle cancer over the last 18 months.

His dad Paul said Jack came up with the idea by himself as he wanted to do his bit to help.

“He wanted to do something to show his support so he came up with his own version of a triathlon,” Mr Tavener explained.

“He has had relatives who have suffered with cancer, particularly an aunt and that is what inspired him. He really wanted to do something to show support.

“He came up with the idea totally by himself.

“He has given himself an awful lot to do, but he is training well for it.

“The other day we drove the course to see what it is like. We didn’t realise how long it actually was until we drove it.

“12-year-olds have so much energy, but if I did it I wouldn’t be able to walk at all after.”

He will complete the mammoth 45km task on Sunday (May 27) and has been training hard for the last few months.

The Hardenhuish School pupil will start in Ogbourne St George, near Marlborough, and walk, run and cycle to Derriads Lane where he will be greeted by supportive friends and family.

The original goal was to raise £1,000, but having raised over that already, Jack just hopes to raise as much money as possible.

Jack said: “I like sports so I wanted a challenge and I wanted to do something I enjoy.

“I am more excited than nervous. I am really excited and I want to help everyone.

“I don’t have a new target, I just want to raise as much money as I possibly can.”

To donate, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/45kwrbjacktavener.