A Skegness Air Cadet is planning to walk 10km whilst carrying 10kg of food – to raise money for a cause close to his heart.

Seventeen year-old Thomas Shaw has organised the feat – which he calls the ‘10 for 10 challenge’ – and plans to set off at 10am on October 10.

His aim is to support the Skegness branch of the Royal British Legion - and it is at their HQ in Wainfleet Road where Thomas will begin and end the 6.2-mile walk.

A Cadet Warrant Officer with 1073 Skegness Air Cadets, the teenager also volunteers with the branch, selling poppies.

Skegness Air Cadet and Royal British Legion volunteer Thomas Shaw is hoping to complete a 10km fundraising walk for charity.

placeholder image — Skegness Air Cadet and Royal British Legion volunteer Thomas Shaw is hoping to complete a 10km fundraising walk for charity.

“Along the route, I'll stop at the Burma Star memorial plaque and the Skegness War Memorial Cenotaph to pay my respects,” he explains. “These memorials have a personal meaning to me. My great-grandfather served in Burma during the Second World War, and I also have civilian members of my family named on the Skegness Cenotaph.

“I come from a military family and, through my role in the Air Cadets and my volunteering with the Royal British Legion, remembering those who served and supporting the Armed Forces community is something that means a lot to me.

“I'm also autistic and have Tourette syndrome, so this will be a genuine personal challenge for me. I'm choosing to push myself because this is a cause I care about.”

Thomas will carry 10km of food in a backpack – which he will donate to Skegness food bank at the Storehouse.

Thomas at the Skegness Branch of the Royal British Legion.

“I'm really grateful to the Skegness Royal British Legion branch for getting behind my idea and supporting me,” he adds. “They have designed and produced a special T-shirt and flag for the challenge.”

It is hoped that local veterans will join Thomas along sections of the 10km route.

Thomas’ mum, Natasha, said: “He’s been walking around our area wearing his bergen (rucksack) to train, building up the weight gradually. When he sets his mind to something there’s no stopping him!”

Thomas is a student at Skegness Academy’s sixth form. A spokesperson for the school added: “We are incredibly proud of Thomas. We wish Thomas the very best of luck and thank him for demonstrating such outstanding commitment to supporting both veterans and the local community.”

To support Thomas, visit his JustGiving page.