AN inspirational teenager is gearing up to take on his next charity fundraising challenge – a 20-mile hike round the Lake District.

Harrison Rylands, who is 13, was one of the finalists in last year’s Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards after being inspired by a family tragedy to complete a sponsored hike up Mount Snowdon.

The youngster, who is in year eight at Great Sankey High School, collected more than £3,000 and purchased defibrillators to be installed in Great Sankey – outside Chapelford Farm Pub and McDonald’s at Gemini.

Harrison is in year eight at Great Sankey High School

Harrison is in year eight at Great Sankey High School

Now, Harrison has his sights set on raising £1,000 for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where he has been a patient since he was born.

Harrison was born with a congenital cataract which had to be removed when he was just eight weeks old so that he could gain some sight in his eye.

He’s had follow up procedures and check up appointments over the last 13 years and says the care he has received has been exceptional.

Harrison was born with a congenital cataract which had to be removed when he was just eight weeks old

Harrison was born with a congenital cataract which had to be removed when he was just eight weeks old

Harrison, who wears a special lens in his left eye, said: “I wanted to give something back to the facility so other children can receive the care they require, just like I did.

“I wanted to do it before I am released from the care of Alder Hey when I turn 16.”

Harrison will be completing the walk with his mum and some other family members, who supported him on his last mission.

In May 2022, the youngster was inspired to take up the challenge after a heart-breaking chain of events over a two-year period during the Covid-19 pandemic saw Harrison’s grandad, two uncles and a close friend all suffer heart attacks.

The former head boy at Chapelford Village Primary School completed the challenge walking up and down Wales’ highest mountain and was shortlisted for Junior Fundraiser of the Year 2023 at the Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards.

Harrison’s next challenge will see him hike around Ullswater Lake – the Lake District is a special place for him and his family - on Saturday, June 8.

Harrison said: “The training is going well and I’m training every night at the gym at Sankey hub.

“I’m concentrating on my cardio and strength to help with the hill walking and I’m also building up my endurance with walks at the weekend.”

The team will be starting the 20-mile walk at 7am and are hoping to complete it in eight or nine hours.

Harrison wears a special lens in his eye

Harrison wears a special lens in his eye

Harrison said: “I’m really excited about the hike.

“It will be tough but I’m looking forward to it.

“There are some steep parts on the route but hopefully the scenery will help me along.

“I hope to raise as much as I can for this great facility.

“I will be giving the cheque to my consultant, hopefully at my next appointment!”

Click here to donate to Harrison’s fundraising campaign