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Two young footballers are pounding the streets to raise funds to provide much-needed PPE to the NHS.

Frankie Hobbs and Ayden Saltmarsh, teammates at Dunmow United Panthers, set themselves the challenge of running as far as they could in two weeks with the hope of raising £200.

Within just 24 hours, the students from Forest Hall School had smashed their target and have so far raised more than £1,000.

The idea came from Frankie, Year 8, who was keen to challenge himself while raising money.

Mum Sue said: “We were sat eating one day and Frankie said out of the blue that he wanted to do something to help the NHS.

“He has never run before, but I guess as he can’t play football at the moment, it was the next best thing.

“They are absolutely smashing it out the water. How amazing of them and how generous of people who have donated.

“The boys should be incredibly proud of themselves. Frankie could have quite happily sat on his Xbox all day, but instead the motivation is there to push himself and do something positive.

“I think Frankie will keep this up as it helps to clear his head and his fitness has improved.

“I am so proud of them both. They are amazing. They are missing so much, but instead of giving in they are doing something positive.”

Not only is the daily run helping to raise vital funds, but for Year 7 student Ayden – who was keen to join his teammate in the challenge - it is helping in other ways.

Mum Dani said: “Ayden used to go for the occasional run as it helps with his mental health and to make him feel calmer. During lockdown, he had started to run once or twice a week, but now it is turning into a serious hobby. It was his birthday recently and he asked for sports gear for his running.

“Yesterday, he hadn’t slept very well and so I had to push him out the door to do his run. But, when he came back full of the adrenaline buzz, he was so much lighter. It is having such a positive effect on him.

“It is fantastic. I am so, so proud of the pair of them.”

Hannah Jones, head of school, said: “Actions like this show how exceptional our students are here at Forest Hall School. The whole community is extremely proud of the boys.” Donate here.