Intrepid teenager, Ben Nicholas, has completed his challenge to trek 500 kilometres across the north of England and raise £1,000. Ben, 14, carried all his equipment and spent every night under canvas during a fortnight which he says he will remember for t

Intrepid teenager, Ben Nicholas, has completed his challenge to trek 500 kilometres across the north of England and raise £1,000.

Ben, 14, carried all his equipment and spent every night under canvas during a fortnight which he says he will remember for the rest of his life.

He had planned the trip with his 18-year-old brother Ross. But Ross was forced to rest after the first part of the trek across the Pennine Hills aggravated a sports injury.

The brothers' father Nick, head of outdoor pursuits at Ely's King's School took Ross' place for part of the challenge and he was able to rejoin the journey for the final three days.

Nick said: "Ben was determined and single-minded. All along I emphasised what a difficult walk this would be. What he achieved is quite rematrkable for a boy of his age and I am very proud indeed, especially as you read so much that's negative about youngsters today."

Cash raised from the journey will go towards the charity When You Wish Upon a Star which gives terminally ill children trips of a lifetime.

Ben said: "People have been very generous. You don't see many people out on the moors but lots of people I met gave me money and wished me good luck. It was very tough and I've got blisters and cuts, but it was all worthwhile and I will remember it for the rest of my life."

Ben has set up a website www.justgiving.com/ben_nicholas for supporters to make on-line donations.

Brothers Ben and Ross Nicholas who tackled their charity challenge.

Photo: SUPPLIED