A KIND hearted 13-year-old Devon boy is preparing to complete a remarkable year-long challenge to run and hike the entire 180-mile Tarka Trail, raising money and awareness for children’s mental health charity Place2Be.

On Sunday, September 20, Arthur Belford, from near Holsworthy, will complete the final stretch from Barnstaple to Instow – returning to the place where he began his challenge almost exactly 12 months ago.

Arthur, a pupil at Shebbear College and rugby player for Okehampton RFC, came up with the idea because he wanted to set himself a big outdoor challenge while doing something to help other children.

He chose Place2Be, a children’s mental health charity which provides support through schools, working directly with children and young people as well as supporting teachers, school staff and families to recognise when a child may be struggling and help them get the support they need.

Arthur said: “I’m really lucky because I have lots of people I can talk to if something is wrong, at home and at school. But I know not every child has that.

“I think every child should have someone they can talk to when life feels difficult. That’s why I wanted to raise money for Place2Be and get more people talking about children’s mental health.”

Arthur originally set himself a fundraising target of £800. After reaching it, he increased his target to £2,500.

But for Arthur, the challenge has always been about more than the amount raised.

“I hope doing the challenge gets more people talking about children’s mental health and how important it is to have someone to talk to.”

Now, after 12 months of running and hiking, Arthur is almost back where he started.

Arthur’s journey can be followed on Instagram at @arthurrunstarkatrail, with donations through his JustGiving page for Place2Be at www.justgiving.com/page/arthur-tarka-trail-run.