A FIVE-YEAR-OLD has set himself the challenge of running 100 miles in 100 days - whatever the weather.

Archie Richardson, who lives on the Booth Farm Estate in Tottington, is raising money for Derian House Children’s Hospice which provides respite and end-of-life care to more than 400 children and young people across the North West.

Along with dad Monty and mum Claire, Archie has so far completed 75 miles and raised around £1,200 with the intrepid family even climbing up Mt Snowdon in the pouring rain.

Archie has always enjoyed running around and being outdoors, but he recently decided he wanted to set himself a challenge of running 100 miles,” said Monty. “Every night, whatever the weather, we set off running one or two miles and he ticks them off on his chart.

“When we talked about fundraising, Archie said he would like to try to help other boys and girls so we agreed that Derian House Hospice seemed the perfect charity to support.

“We cannot think of a better reason to run in the pouring rain for 100 days.”

Monty said the fundraising family decided to climb Snowdon for an extra challenge, but they were soon having second thoughts.

“I cannot explain how bad it was,” he said. “It was the most awful hike I’ve ever done but it was Archie’s first mountain and I had to try my best to keep spirits up. It was pretty special to witness him do it because his determination and drive to get it done was just amazing.”

Archie, who attends Tottington Primary School, is targeting June 16 as his finishing date and in the meantime he’s getting some inspiration from some famous names.

“He’s been watching videos of Usain Bolt,” said Monty, who has set up a JustGiving site. “There have been so many moments where I thought the challenge would just fizzle out, but he’s still going out.”

Mum, Claire McDonald added: “Archie can’t believe the total and gets so excited when a new sponsor comes through. Although he has smashed his original target of £100, he wants to keep raising more for Derian House.

"We’re bowled over by the support he’s received, especially given the hard time people have been through recently. Palliative care is close to my heart and I appreciate how badly hospices need funding.”

Charlotte Robinson, community fundraiser at Derian House, said: “Archie is one of our youngest supporters to take on such a demanding challenge and we are extremely proud of his achievements.

“At Derian House, our aim is to make sure the life of every child matters, and to ensure that our families are able to make the very most of every moment they have together. With services costing £5 million to run every year – and just 12 per cent of that coming from government funding – it is only down to generosity such Archie’s that we are able to continue.”

Archie has been rewarded with a certificate and medal each time he has completed 26 miles - the length of a full marathon. He is working towards a trophy for completing the 100 miles challenge, and a new Lego set to celebrate his amazing effort and dedication.

You can keep updated on Archie’s progress and sponsor his 100 miles challenge here: justgiving.com/fundraising/archierichardson05