A 10-year-old Belfast boy will be walking from Carrickfergus to Portavogie in aid of a veterans charity.
Tyler Reid, who has already completed a marathon on his own, will be taking part in the Wee Dander for the Big Dander to raise funds for Beyond the Battlefield on Saturday, April 9.
He decided to take on the 45 mile journey in order to support his dad, Ian Reid, who will be taking part in the Big Dander around the UK and Ireland later this year with Connor Ferguson.
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Speaking to Belfast Live, Ian said that he was very proud of his son for taking on the challenge and felt that he would have no problems making the journey over the course of the weekend.
He said: "With Connor and I getting ready to do our Big Dander, Tyler wanted to get involved in the fundraising effort and do something himself to support Beyond the Battlefield and the new veterans centre in Portavogie.
"He had heard about what kind of support that the centre is providing, such as providing a place for homeless veterans to stay and being the kind of lad that he is wanted to try and do something to help raise funds and came up with the idea of doing a 'Little Dander' ahead of our 'Big Dander'.
"Tyler has always been very athletic, playing football six days a week and has already completed a marathon on his own!
"I was taking part in one a few months back and he wanted to run alongside me and when he was unable he decided to do the course in the opposite direction. He ended up getting to know most of the runners and was recognised for his efforts by the race organisers.
"I am very proud of him for wanting to do something like this and we will be keeping a tally of everything that he is able to raise which will combine with our fundraising appeal for the Big Dander."
Tyler will be setting off from Carrickfergus Castle on Saturday and plans on walking 26 miles to Groomsport on the first day. He will then finish the journey on Sunday as he walks to the veterans centre that will soon open in Portavogie.
If you would like to donate to Tyler's cause, please follow this link.
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