A CHARITABLE boy from Monmouth has walked the distance of a half marathon to raise more than £600 for a children’s charity.

Oliver Maunder, aged six, from Agincourt School and Nursery, decided to take on the mammoth challenge when he heard about Elusen Jac Bach, a foundation which collects funds for children who need life-changing medical treatment.

Accompanied by his parents, Oliver set off from Agincourt at 8.30am on Friday, hiking 12 miles to Tintern along the River Wye and another mile home after a bus journey back to Monmouth.

All of his classmates lined up at the start point to cheer and wave him on his way.

Oliver said: “Jac Bach is raising money for children that have illnesses and we want to help them buy equipment.

“They might need to buy some blood testers.

“I wanted to do the walk so I can help them to get better and have a lovely life.

“My family does a lot of walking – we need to get daddy to stop eating too much. His favourite thing to eat is chocolate and he might need to lose a few stone.”

He added: “My target was to raise £500 and I’m very happy we have made it past that.

Jennie Phillips, headmistress, said: “We are aware that children here are very lucky and so we always try and support a local charity. This is pure Oliver – he’s a really compassionate little boy and mature beyond his years.

“He’s a kind and caring member of the class.”