WHILE most people are throwing buckets of icy water over their heads to raise funds and awareness for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, a Gunnislake youngster has bucked the trend and run a gruelling 40-miles in two days for the cause, raising more than £1,500. Ten-year-old Leighton Howe, who attends Delaware Primary School, was originally set to run 30-miles through Cornwall in a bid to raise £300, but smashed both targets to run 40-miles and raise £1,659 — with money still coming in. Accompanied by his father Craig, Leighton completed his challenge last week. The idea for the challenge came after finding out his father's friend, Milo Hunkins from Calstock, suffers with the disease. Leighton's mother Marie said: 'I am extremely proud of him. He has been planning this since March. He thought his target of £300 was unrealistic but what he has managed to raise is fantastic. 'The run should have been 30-miles but I miscalculated the route and some of the coastal paths were shut so they ended up doing more — I told Leighton he could stop at 30-miles but he wanted to finish it. My husband suffered a bit afterwards but Leighton was absolutely fine. He was already thinking about what he could do next on the way home! 'He is really happy with how much he has raised and everyone involved was buzzing after. I think a lot of people didn't really know about the charity but because of all the recent ice bucket challenges, awareness has grown. Hopefully the amount Leighton raised will be able to help someone.' The MNDA provides care and support for people with MND and their carers and funds vital research into causes, treatments and cures for the disease. The charity relies totally on voluntary donations. Anyone who would like to support Leighton can do so by donating at http://www.justgiving.com/leighton-howe10">www.justgiving.com/leighton-howe10.