Ethan steps into Christmas for a good cause

Carluke youngster Ethan Ward has raised hundreds of pounds taking part in Kidney Research UK’s Steps Into Christmas challenge.

The St Athanasius Primary pupil was born with kidney dyslpasia, and although his own health is generally good he wanted to help the charity which supports other people to be free from the restrictions, fear, anxiety and life-limiting nature of kidney disease.

Ethan (7) aimed to walk 12,000 steps a day for 12 days and raise around £60 ... but he would end up doing much more on both counts.

In the end he completed 162,591 steps and smashed his fundraising target receiving donations of £430 after Kidney Research UK set up a JustGiving page for him.

Ethan’s mum Mags said: “Although he only has one working kidney Ethan doesn’t let that slow him down and was keen to support the Kidney Research UK challenge.

“He was very committed to doing the 12,000 steps each day and when he came home from school if he was short he’d put his coat on and go back out to walk around the block.

“Ethan’s inital idea was to raise £5 a day, which would equal £60, but he has received many times that and we are very proud of him.”