A TEENAGER is taking on a new challenge abroad on behalf of a mental health charity.

Luca Messenger-Jones, 16, will be travelling to Corfu to tackle a half marathon to raise money for Mind on August 6.

He will travel from his home in Ireleth, near Askam, to complete the route up Mount Pantokrator, the highest mountain on the Greek island.

The challenge will start and end at Barbati Beach and will include around 3,000ft of climbing, and 22 kilometres of dirt track.

Luca said: “I was reading about the effects the Coronavirus was having on charities and how so many challenges and races had been cancelled so I wanted to do my bit.

“I aimed to raise £150 but so far we have reached £255 at the moment.

“I was attracted to Mind because I’ve had a lot of friends and family who have struggled with mental health and I’ve lost a few people very close to me. It’s an amazing charity and I just wanted to do my best to help.

“The 13.1 miles are going to be hard, especially with the heat but I’ll do my best.

“I’ve always been a runner.

"I run nationally and did Scafell Pike a few weeks ago which gave me the idea to do this one. I’ve never done anything as long as this before. It’s a new experience.

“My family and friends are very much behind me.

"My college has made some great donations, and my close friends are supporting me throughout.”

To support Luca visit justgiving.com/fundraising/mount-pantokrator.