Boy, 11, raises £29k for charity with marathon cycle

Max said he wanted to give back to the charity that had supported him for a decade

An 11-year-old boy who cycled the equivalent of a marathon has raised more than £29,000 for charity.

Max from Basingstoke, Hampshire, cycled 26.2 miles (42.2km) on Sunday to raise money for the Brittle Bone Society.

Max was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta at the age of one, a genetic disorder which means his bones are brittle and break easily.

He said the cycle was "extremely hard" but he wanted to give back to the charity that had "helped me so much".

Max has broken more than 20 bones in his lifetime, and has had numerous operations.

"It impacts how I live from day to day," he said.

"It gives me chronic pain, it makes me more fatigued, and I have less energy."

Steve (left) said he was "super proud" of his son

He said his cycle ride, which he completed in four hours, was "very tough on the legs" but he wanted to support the charity in any way he could.

"They're so kind to me, they always make sure I have the best treatment," he said.

"I just want to be able to help everyone that comes into their care."

His efforts attracted the attention of David Beckham, who donated an "undisclosed" amount to the fundraiser after hearing his story on Virgin Radio.

Host Chris Evans also donated £5,000 to the cause.

David Beckham donated to Max's cause and sent him a personal message

Max's dad, Steve, said: "This concept of Max's marathon was all Max's idea.

"We're all super proud."