FIN Watson, 12, decided that he wanted to do something for a hospice which cared for his dying father – and a group of his friends have rallied around to help him.

Charlie Blazeby, Joshua Budgen and Nicholas Carmichael, also 12, will be joining Fin to tackle a ten-mile hike and an eight and a half mile canoe paddle in a bid to raise £1,000 for St Luke's Hospice at Turnchapel, Plymstock.

The boys, who all attend Kingsbridge Community College, are planning to paddle their canoes from Aveton Gifford to Bantham.

Then they will leave their paddles and hike along the cliff path to Salcombe before returning to Kingsbridge on the water.

The challenge is set to take place on Sunday, September 11, and the boys are hoping to raise as much money as possible for the hospice which was a great support to Fin and his family during his father's illness.

Sadly, Fin's dad, Mark, lost his battle earlier this year, which makes this challenge even more poignant to them all.

Fin said: 'St Luke's is such a friendly place and they were so supportive to me and my family when my dad was there.'

Joshua added: 'I am looking forward to the challenge and raising a lot of money for St Luke's Hospice.'

St Luke's Hospice provides care to more than 2,000 patients each year from across Plymouth, South West Devon and East Cornwall.

If you would like to sponsor the boys, you can donate online at http://www.justgiving.com/boys4stlukes">www.justgiving.com/boys4stlukes.