A PRIMARY school pupil is running a marathon for charity.

Talented runner Luke Greenhalgh, aged 11, is running 26.2 miles, the equivalent distance of a marathon, throughout May in aid of The British Heart Foundation.

The Masefield Primary pupil decided to take part in the charity bid after his grandad, Trevor Lee, suffered from a heart attack when Luke was aged just five.

Mr Lee had an operation and has since recovered.

But Luke decided to combine his passion for running with a desire to do good, and has already run 19 miles of his overall target.

Luke, who is a member of the Bolton United Harriers club which he first joined aged eight, has completed a 5k park run and two three-and-a-half mile runs to tot up his total, and has planned his week to ensure he reaches his goal by the end of the month.

His feat is even more admirable as he has had to combine his running with preparing and completing his Sats examinations.

And his charity running is in addition to the running he completes with his club.

His running challenge has now raised £200, smashing his original target of £75.

Proud mum Emma, of Little Lever, said: "My dad had a heart attack when Luke was five, and every time any fundraising has come up, he has always wanted to do something for a charity associated with it.

"When he saw this he knew he wanted to take part. We had to ring the charity up to make sure he was old enough to take part! But they said it was fine so he was very happy. I am so proud of him."

The British Heart Foundation's My Marathon appeal allows runners to take on the challenge at their own pace, and nearly 22,000 people are taking part across the country.

The appeal has already raised almost £500,000 for the charity, which will support its life saving work.

Luke said: "I am doing the my marathon because I like running and support the BHF.

"My granddad had a heart attack when I was five and because of the research BHF does he survived after an operation. Please sponsor me and help to raise money to help the BHF."

To donate to Luke's appeal, visit bit.ly/1RkLCcE