A WIRRAL teenager is making the most of lockdown to train for a park run in aid of children's charity Stick'n'Step ... and needs your support.

John Ralph, 14, is fundraising for the charity during lockdown, while training hard for the John West 3k park run, rescheduled from May to the autumn.

Air cadet and keen rugby player for New Brighton RUFC, John had been running every day in preparation for the event, which should have taken place this month.

Now the event has been re-scheduled until September 20, John is still running between two and four miles every day to be at peak fitness when the time comes.

He said: "I love sport but I'm not a natural runner by any means!

"I am getting fitter though and the thought of raising more money for Stick 'n' Step is my motivation.

"I hope lots of other local people sign up for the event too.

"It would be great to think something positive has come out of this health crisis."

John, who attends St Mary’s College and turns 15 next week, has raised £250 so far for Stick 'n' Step through sponsorship via his Just Giving page, smashing his original target of £100.

To support his effort go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/james-ralph6?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=james-ralph6&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utm_term=741cbe0d9495413dae3ec0d63d1816cb.

Fitness clearly runs in the family.

John's sister Jasmine, 17, joins him on bike rides and runs together for a VE Day challenge, aiming to reach a total of 75 miles this month, to mark the occasion’s 75th anniversary.

Head of fundraising at Stick 'n' Step Jenny Snell said: "We are very grateful to John for all his hard work and dedication during this lockdown period.

"His proud mum and dad have already nominated John for a Stars of Stick 'n' Step award!

"Anyone interested in following in John’s footsteps should head to Stick ‘n’ Step’s website here https://www.sticknstep.org/what-s-on where you can finds lots of information and fundraising ideas which will help keep your body and mind healthy too.”

Stick 'n' Step offers support services to children with cerebral palsy and their families.

The charity provides the children with totally free of charge conductive education sessions, allowing them to gain the skills they need to live more independent lives. 100 children from across the region now attend these sessions weekly at the charity’s Wallasey and Runcorn centres.