AN EIGHT-year-old boy is set to run, swim and cycle through a charity challenge to help raise as much cash for charity as possible in honour of his nan.

Louix Hounsell, from Leigh, is taking on a children’s triathlon this month to raise vital funds to support the work of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The youngster has been honoured to take on the challenge in honour of his nan, 66-year-old Shirley Phillips, who has been diagnosed with the degenerative disorder.

As a result of the disorder, which causes muscle weakness, twitches, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing, Shirley has been unable to speak.

The fundraising effort follows the death of Rob Burrow, legendary Leeds Rhinos star rugby player, who tragically died aged 41 to the disease on Sunday after an spending years campaigning for motor neurone disease charities.

His mum, Anna Hounsell, has spoken of her pride at her son’s achievement and the importance of the event to the family.

She said: “Shirley was diagnosed in 2023, Louix is very close with her and always has been. We have explained what has been happening to him, he asked loads of questions and wants to help her, it is scary for him.

“It is scary for him to see, she is changing drastically and can no longer speak, which is traumatic for him.

“Louix is nervous about the swimming but sport is his thing, he is quite sporty and I am very proud of him.

“This is a bit of fun really; I want him to enjoy it no matter what.”

Louix is taking part in the children’s triathlon event at Basildon’s Sporting Village on June 22, which will see him doing a 50-metre swim, 800 metre bike ride and then a 600m run around a track in the sports centre.

The youngster has already raised almost £1,500 and is hoping to raise even more before the big day. .

“We were just talking about this child’s triathlon and Louix said he wanted to do it, he just had the idea,” Anna added.

“So far he has raised £1487 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, we would have been happy with just £300, it’s incredible.”

The family also hopes the event will raise awareness for the south Essex branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Louix can be supported at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/louix-hounsell-1715623694775