TWO schoolboys are set to walk the length of Hadrian’s Wall to raise awareness of charities which are close to their hearts.

The Haltwhistle Middle School pupils, both aged 12, will walk from Wallsend to Bowness on Solway over six days, starting on August 28.

James Little recently lost his grandma to cancer, while Shane Birkett’s granddad suffers from ataxia, a hereditary condition which can affect speech, eye movements and mobility, due to a lack of muscle co-ordination.

The two friends will take on the challenge to raise money for their respective charities, Macmillan Cancer Support, and Ataxia UK Research.

Shane’s mum, Anne Birkett, said: “There is no cure for ataxia at the moment, and Shane wants to raise awareness of the condition and also help fund vital research.

“James and his family have been through a lot, and he wants to do his bit to help fight against cancer.”

The two boys enjoy walking, but the fund-raising challenge will test their endurance, with a gruelling schedule involving walks of up to 15 miles per day.

They will be joined by various family members along the way. Shane’s brother Olly (9), who also attends Haltwhistle Middle School, will join them on the stretch from Chollerford to Steel Rigg.