HE is a typical 11-year-old boy – passionate about his football, friends and outdoor fun at his local Scout group.

But take the time to speak to Jack Temple and you will discover his unique desire to help others – as highlighted by his first fund-raising challenge.

Jack, of Regan Close, Lowestoft, plans to run five miles from his home to Nicholas Everitt Park to raise hundreds of pounds for the military charity, Help for Heroes.

He says he was inspired to organise the event after hearing stories from his dad and his grandfather, who served in the Army, as well as witnessing how goodwill could change people's lives on the Sky1 TV show Noel's Christmas Presents, hosted by Noel Edmonds.

This week, Jack was training hard for his challenge on Monday.

He told The Journal: 'The reason I chose Help for Heroes is because my dad and his friends were in the Army when they were younger. It is also because I have seen Noel's Christmas Presents and there are lots of children on there who are younger than me who are doing something for charity. It makes me want to do it as well.

'I think the most challenging part will be at the end when I will be really tired.

'At the beginning, I was planning on doing 10 miles, but my dad convinced me just to do five.'

Jack, who is a pupil at Gunton Primary School and will soon move to Benjamin Britten High School, has spent the last few months training each night with his dad Richard Temple, who served with the Army in the Gulf War, Northern Ireland, Belize, Cyprus and Canada.

Mr Temple, 41, now a police constable with Norfolk Constabulary, said: 'I am not only really impressed, but I am really proud of him. He is done this all by himself.'

Jack, who plays for Waveney Youth Football Club and attends the 14th Lowestoft Scouts, has received �300 in donations so far, but he is hopeful he can raise even more by the time he sets off next week.

? If you would like to sponsor Jack, visit www.bmycharity.com/jacktemple