A group of talented sporting youngsters are planning a 100km charity ride in support of the NHS.

The eight friends from King’s School, Canterbury include Scotland under-17s and Harlequins academy rugby player Harrison MacKinnon.

They are looking to raise at least £1,000 with their cycle around the Kent coastline next month and are already halfway past their target.

Harrison, 15, who lives with his family near Chilham, said: “I was out for a ride with my friend Benny Sharp and we decided to do a longer one.

“I thought if we are going to do that we might as well do it for charity.

“We immediately chose the NHS given the current circumstances, as they are doing so much to help us, thinking it would return the favour.”

His mate Benny is a handy cricketer and golfer. Joining them in the challenge are Max McConochie, Sebbie Hedel, Tom Royde, Mattia Maini, Henry Baxter and Tommy David.

Mattia finished on the podium in last year’s national under-18 kite surfing championship, while Max plays squash for Kent, Henry rugby for Canterbury and Tommy hockey for Marden.

All are year 10 pupils at King’s School, aged between 14 and 15 and are planning to ride from Herne Bay to St Mary’s Bay, near New Romney, on Saturday, July 10.

They plan to follow the Oyster Bay Trail towards Reculver then through Minnis Bay, Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, down to Deal, then taking in Dover, Folkestone, Sandgate and Hythe before the last leg.

Money will go to the East Kent Hospitals Charity which raises funds for the William Harvey Hospital, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital, Buckland Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital.

You can view their fundraising page here

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