A TEENAGER has raised over £1300 for his local foodbank by completing a triathlon in one day.

Queen Elizabeth High School student Teddy Shaw-Kew, 14, completed the challenge on February 23 during his school's half-term holiday.

He was cheered on by locals, friends and family as he ran, cycled, and swam to raise money for West Northumberland Food Bank.

Speaking about the challenge, he said: "I feel absolutely delighted to have raised £1300; it is so much more than I had ever anticipated being able to raise.

"I thought £200 was too ambitious!

"I want to say a massive thank you to every single person who sponsored me—not just my family and friends, who have all been so generous, but also lots of very kind people I have never met, who have given me donations and lovely words of support.

"One lady gave me a wave at Tyne Green while I was doing my run and then found my page to sponsor me.

" As the total kept rising, I was visualising each £100 as another trolley full of food for the food bank, which made me so happy.

Hexham Courant: Ted running at Tyne GreenTed running at Tyne Green (Image: Rachael Shaw-Kew)

"The staff and volunteers there are really amazing, and I am so pleased to have been able to help them a little bit with their important work.  

Teddy's mum, Rachael, adds: "I feel indescribably proud of everything Teddy has achieved – He has always been an enthusiastic helper for our work for the food bank, but this time, he was determined to give himself a personal challenge, which involved a lot of hard work and dedication to prepare for the event.

"Our whole family was there on the day to cheer him on, from his little brother and sister who made a finish line banner to his Dad riding along with him on the ride, to his Grandparents who made sure they were there to cheer him on at each stage of the triathlon.

"It was so exciting watching the fundraising total increase as the day continued. While we were waiting at Warden to collect Teddy’s bike for the changeover to his run, a very kind passerby named George gave me £20 towards his fundraising.

"Teddy absolutely loved the whole experience, and it was marvellous to see him run across the finish line looking so elated after all his efforts. It was a moment I won’t forget in a hurry."