Sheffield schoolboy swaps football boots for running shoes to run half-marathon for food banks

The 12-year-old Silverdale student has been pounding the pavements for the past three months to build up to a half marathon.

Big-hearted Mal is taking up the challenge to raise money for a foodbank and he has already raised more than £1,000.

Mal, from Millhouses plays for Ecclesall Rangers and decided to take up running after the pandemic paused the football timetable. He set himself the target of running 13 miles.

His mum Bronwyn said: “Mal really missed football in this lockdown and decided to take up running.

"He’s coming up to 13 so his training has had to be built up carefully and it fitted in with this three-month lockdown period.”

Mal has followed, to the letter, a 12-week training plan and is planning his epic run on March 28.

He is donating the cash to the S6 foodbank at a time when their services have never been in such high demand. “He doesn't think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry,” said Bronwyn. He is really worried about people not having enough food.”

The tech-savvy youngster set up his Justgiving page and initially set the target for £200. Bronwyn said: “We were amazed by the response. He is such a thoughtful young man and so focused on it. We are so proud of him.”

Mal is training with his mum and Dad Connor, who are both keen runners. He hopes to complete the 13 miles on the Monsall trail which will be verified on the Strava website.

Donations can be made on this Justgiving link