A YOUNGSTER from Bogtown has raised more than 25 times his target for Cancer Research UK with a sponsored walk in memory of his much-loved nana.

Charlie Dufty, who is eight, walked the 4.4 miles from his house to his late nana Dawn Medland’s home in Bratton Clovelly back in February.

Accompanied by his younger brother Harry, six, he was supported along the route by family and friends.

He has raised more than £5,500 for Cancer Research UK. His original target was just £200.

Charlie himself came up with the idea of doing the walk himself, as a way of doing something positive in the wake of the family tragedy.

Dawn, who died in November of lung cancer at the age of just 58, played a big part in her grandsons’ lives.

Charlie’s mum Gemma said: ‘We are incredibly proud of him. To be honest, we thought he might raise £1,000 but it never entered our heads that he would raise this much.

‘Unfortunately, cancer is touching so many lives now. Lots and lots of people who have donated have been through the same situation, or know someone who is going through it.

‘We’ve had donations from our cousins and family in New Zealand, London, the Cotswolds and Wales, as well as lots of people here in Devon.

‘Okehampton Primary School did their own collection because mum used to work there, and The Green Dragon in Northlew did a quiz night which kicked it all off.

‘The Blue Lion in Lewdown did a collection too because mum used to do the cricket teas there. So everyone really supported us.’

Charlie and Harry have been presented with certificates from Cancer Research UK.

‘I think they both feel they have done something worthwhile,’ said Gemma. ‘They know it is not going to bring their nana back, but they feel they have done something worthwhile.’