ADVENTUROUS Jude Kriwald, of Englishcombe, near Bath, received a Pride of Somerset Youth Award for his amazing fundraising efforts.

Jude, 19, was nominated by staff at St Margaret’s Hospice in Taunton.

He was inspired to raise money for the hospice after chatting with his grandmother, who supported the hospice for many years before she became a patient of it herself.

Jude is now on a sponsored ride all the way from Yeovil to India – and beyond.

He’s already made steady progress through Europe, Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan; he’d originally planned to reach Amritsar in India but has now decided to continue on to Pakistan as well.

His nomination said hospice staff are in awe of Jude and his challenge.

He was able to take a brief break from the ride to see his grandmother for the last three weeks of her life in January before returning to his task.

He’s still riding so his award was collected by his proud – and worried – parents.

The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards are run by the Newsquest Somerset, publisher of this website, Taunton Rotary Club and BBC Somerset and recognise the outstanding contribution of people under the age of 20 They were sponsored by Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and Somerset County Cricket Club and Museum.

26 young people were honoured at the ceremony held on Friday, March 8, at Taunton Conference Centre, at Somerset College, which was given free for the evening.

Winners were presented with their certificates by six-time Paralympic medallist Deb Criddle, of Trull, near Taunton – and got the chance to try on the gold and two silvers she earned at London 2012 after the ceremony.