A BOY who lives in the shadow of Musgrove Park Hospital is undertaking a running challenge to support NHS staff working there.

Jackson Moseley, 11, originally intended to run a total of 54 miles during May - but it's gone so well he's confident of going even further.

He runs three miles at a time and is hoping his exertions will raise £1,000 for the Love Musgrove Covid Response Fund to support workers at the hospital.

Jackson came up with the idea while watching staff turn up for work at Musgrove, which he can see at the end of Galmington Drive, where he lives.

His father, Seth, 51, manager of the Carnival Inn, in Bridgwater, accompanies Jackson on his runs.

Seth said: "He's keen on sports, especially football and swimming and started running during lockdown to try to keep fit.

"He came up with the idea of some sort of challenge and decided to run three miles at a time during May.

"He goes out most days and will better his target of 54 miles overall.

"I've been setting him challenges and he beat his personal best last week with a time of 28 minutes 42 seconds."

Seth added: "It's been good for both of us.

"I used to be much fitter and did the Taunton Half Marathon several years ago. I go to the gym, but this is different.

"Jackson has already raised £690 and is hoping to get to £1,000, which would be amazing."

Jackson, who was born at Musgrove, is due to return to North Town Primary School on June 1 under current Government plans.

Seth said: "He's really looking forward to getting back to see his friends and say good-bye properly as he's going to The Castle School in September after eight years at North Town."