A schoolboy who cycled more than 160 miles to raise money for children’s charities has been nominated for the Recorder/Redbridge Rotary Club Young Citizen Awards, sponsored by Exchange Ilford.

Christian Donovan, 15, of Woodlands Avenue, Wanstead, pedalled his way from Yorkshire to London in two days to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust, Great Ormond Street Children Hospital and Orphans in Need.

He said: “It was very difficult, but it was a great way to raise lots of money for these causes.”

Christian is chairman of his school council at Wanstead High, Redbridge Lane West, Wanstead, which chose the three charities to fundraise for.

So the teen took it upon himself to raise money himself, and decided that he would cycle from Tick Hill in Yorkshire, where his grandparents live, to his home – 167 miles.

He said: “I felt that because I am the chair of the school council, I really needed to do something to raise a bit more than what we were already making, so cycling was the best way I think to do it.”

But Christian didn’t tackle the journey alone, with dad Andy and friend Joseph providing him support on the ride at the end of August.

The pair drove alongside Christian for both days, spurring him on as well as providing him with technical help if something happened to his bike.

Andy said: “When he completed it, I was just so relieved. It was exhausting but I am really impressed that he completed it and that we were able to see him complete this challenge.”

So far Christian has raised £500 for the charities but is aiming to raise £2,500.