A SPORTY Wee County youngster has been running, walking or cycling 5k every day in February for charity.

Nathan Smith, from Clackmannan, took on the challenge to stay positive during the lockdown, as well as to keep fit.

Not only that, the 12-year-old is also raising money for Alzheimer's Scotland, and has already tripled his initial target.

Nathan, in S1 at Lornshill Academy, set a target of £150 and that was smashed in the first hour.

It was then raised to £250 but, at the time of writing, Nathan has raised more than £750.

His mum Joanne told the Advertiser: "One of my friends who lives in Greenock had done it for the month of January and Nathan had been out doing a bit of running anyway for PE as part of his remote learning.

"We had a wee chat about it and he said he would like to do something for charity."

The decision to raise money for Alzheimer's Scotland came from the family's own battle with the disease.

Nathan's great-grandmother passed away a few years ago with dementia and his other great-grandmother is currently living with it.

"Seeing the effect that it has," Joanne continued. "Not only on the person who's suffering but the family who has to deal with everything as well."

Despite the recent snow and the harsh drop in temperature, Nathan has never taken a day off and was out every day making sure his 5k was done, no matter what.

Joanne said: "He's getting on pretty well with it. [Recently] when it was too dangerous to run he was walking but he's still getting out and doing it."

Whilst Nathan's efforts are raising money for a great cause, it's also been helping the youngster stay fit and positive.

Joanne continued: "It's been really good for his mental health as well, because he has been finding the remote learning quite tough."

She joked: "Being home all the time and having me as his teacher, he has found that tough, so it's been good for him."

A keen footballer, rugby player and runner, Nathan is now just days away from completing a full month.

His activities are tracked with the Strava app and uploaded to the fundraiser every day to keep donors updated.

Visit facebook.com/donate/3828063133923192/?fundraiser_source=external_url to make a donation or check Nathan's progress.