Hamish, 9 has set himself the challenge of running, rowing and cycling the journey that Joseph and Mary made from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem during advent.

He’ll have to travel 70 miles during the next 24 days if he is to arrive before Christmas Eve.

Last year during lockdown Hamish raised a thousand pounds for Gateshead food bank by running a marathon in just 10 days.

This year, inspired by a talk the Salvation Army gave at his school in Gateshead, he has set himself an even bigger challenge.

Anything you can give will make a difference and we’re hoping to get as much sponsorship as possible before the 12th December so the Salvation Army can buy presents in time for Christmas (but will take donations all the way through December).

At Christmas, more than any other time, The Salvation Army works tirelessly for people in need. Homeless and hungry people, families facing hardship, victims of domestic abuse and human trafficking, people who are ill or grieving, people who are desperately lonely - we reach out to all of them with unstinting friendship and practical, professional help.Here's how your donations could transform lives this Christmas... £19 could help provide a box of groceries and modest gifts, so that families who are struggling in poverty can share a basic Christmas meal together. £50 could help keep our food banks replenished from wholesalers and local sources. £112 could provide a Christmas dinner and the promise of companionship for 50 lonely older people. £800 could enable all the residents of a safe house to go out for Christmas dinner and a show, making a memory which will last a life time.