A SOLDIER is set to run a half-marathon to raise money for a nursing home which cared for his grandfather.

Callum Gee, of Barnoldswick, is running with two friends, Sean McLoud and Harry Wallbank. They are devising a route for the sponsored 13.1-mile run in aid of Cravenside Nursing Home in the town on May 30.

It comes three weeks after his grandfather, Jack Metcalfe, died, aged 90. Callum wants to help the care home and has so far raised £1,365.

The 20-year-old has been serving in the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, which is the North West’s infantry regiment, for three years.

He said: “I want to give something back to the care home as he loved it there.

“He was there for more than a year and the carers were so good. Nothing was ever too much work for them.

“He loved gardening, so I would like to put some money towards the garden.

“Maybe they could get a tree in his memory or even a bench as he would have loved that. Any more money that I can raise could be used where they want.

“The care home was great and they always went out on trips which he loved to do.

“I am really surprised how much money has been raised as I set a target of £500, but I am trying to get as much as I can for them.

“During this pandemic, care homes are having to deal with so much so it would be good to have something nice for them when we get out of this situation.

“I have been running all my life but haven’t done this distance.

“I have been in training and I think that I will smash it.”

The three friends are looking to make a cheque presentation to the care home when the run is completed.

Mr Metcalfe lived in Earby most of his life before moving to the home.

Callum added: “My grandad was down-to-earth and loved going on walks.

“He was in the Army in the Second World War and I went in the Army because of him. He had memories of the war and he was someone that I looked up to, and that was why I did it.

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