A YOUNGSTER has raised more than £1,000 for a youth homeless charity by climbing the highest hill in his hometown.

Ten-year-old Lincoln Ramshaw, from Sunderland, has raised over a £1,000 for Centrepoint by climbing Penshaw Hill 42 times.

Lincoln wanted to do a challenge to help homeless and vulnerable people, and said he would like to climb the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis.

However, due to Covid-19 lockdown, Lincoln and his dad Gary had to adapt and come up with a local solution.

Mr Ramshaw said: “We worked out how many times we would have to travel up Penshaw Hill in Sunderland to make the equivalent height of Ben Nevis.

“It worked out as 42 times up and 42 times down the hill.

“We set a date of May 31, set up a JustGiving page, made banners, pushed the challenge on social media and made it happen.”

“Lincoln found it incredibly tough and struggled at times, through exhaustion and muscle pains.

Many people struggle with one single climb up Penshaw hill, never mind 42.

“However, what kept him going was the support, and the thought of how much difference this will make to many people’s lives.”

Lincoln had hoped to raise £500 for Centrepoint, but growing support meant he has now passed his target and is hoping to do more.

Lincoln said: “I chose to do this for Centrepoint to help homeless and vulnerable young people – they are people’s sisters, brothers, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters and they need our help.”

Chloe Skyes, regional fundraising manager at Centrepoint, said: “We are so grateful for Lincoln and his dad’s support especially during this challenging time for everyone.

“Centrepoint research shows Sunderland has 26 per cent more young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness than the national average, so support like this goes a long way.”

“The money raised will help make an amazing difference to homeless young people in the North East who face an incredibly difficult time, ensuring they have a safe and stable accommodation and the skills and support to live independently.”

At least 4,136 young people across the North East approached their local authority for help last year because they were homeless or at risk of homelessness, according to new findings from Centrepoint’s annual Youth Homelessness Databank report.

Call Centrepoint Helpline on 0808-800-0661.