Nottinghamshire boy, 12, to do Three Peaks Challenge for sister

Jack said he wanted to help his sister Ruby and others in her position

A 12-year-old boy plans to climb the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales in 24 hours to raise funds to research his sister's rare disease.

Jack, from Nuthall in Nottinghamshire, is taking on the Three Peaks Challenge later to raise money for Pearson Syndrome.

His 18-month-old sister Ruby has been diagnosed with the rare DNA disorder.

His father Jonathan, who will accompany him on the challenge, said he was "really proud" of his son.

'Determined'

Jack said: "Ruby's so funny and so happy but Pearson means her cells don't create enough energy.

"That means she gets really tired sometimes and I get sad when I see her like that.

"The Three Peaks is something I can do to help her and others who have it.

"It feels a bit intimidating and I'm a bit nervous but I'm determined to do this for Ruby and want to thank everyone who has donated."

He and his father will start by tackling Ben Nevis in Scotland, before driving to Scafell Pike in the Lake District and then finishing with Snowdon in Wales.

Jack's father said the family is really proud of him

Jonathan, 38, a police officer, said: "Jack's a little nervous but also excited.

"We're both looking forward to the challenge.

"We're really proud of him for supporting the Lily Foundation, which is such a great charity."

Jack set out to raise £3,000 for The Lily Foundation, a charity that funds research into mitochondrial diseases, including Pearson Syndrome, and supports the families of affected children, but he has already beaten that target via an online fundraising page.

The foundation's CEO Liz Curtis said: "Families [like Jack's] are the beating heart of The Lily Foundation; without their fundraising efforts, we couldn't do what we do.

"We wish Jack and John the very best of luck on their incredible challenge. It is truly inspiring, and shows the amazing kindness, courage and tenacity of the families we support.

"By raising awareness about mito they are helping to change attitudes, educate and promote research, and ultimately bring us closer to being able to treat or cure this devastating disease."