A GRUELLING marathon over the ice cold Welsh Brecon Beacons kick-started one Buckfastleigh Scout’s fundraising efforts.

Alastair Shapland is gearing up for a series of challenges in a bid to drum up £2,700 to pay for his trip to America to take part in the World Scout Jamboree in 2019.

The 15-year-old and his school pal Dan Greaves embarked on the 26.3-mile adventure. Setting off soon after sunrise the duo had to run the summit of the mountain Tor-y-Foel and make their way between Pen-y-Fan, the highest point in the beacons, and Fan-y-Big. Although the temperature was kind for December, staying just above zero, and there was no rain the pair still had to battle with icy conditions and mist.

Alastair deemed the expedition as the hardest thing he had ever done but managed to complete it in less than seven hours.

He said: ‘It was easily one of the hardest things I have ever done, but very rewarding and worth all the effort.

‘Climbing the first mountain was the toughest part as it just seemed to go on and on, even the experienced runners had to walk up that one.

‘As we turned the last corner and saw the finish line I almost forgot about the pain I was in.’

The chilly challenge pushed Alastair a little closer to his target, raising £270.

Other events in the pipeline to give him a cash boost include a raffle, bag packing, cycling challenge and a mud run.

The Explorer Scout and Young Leader in the 3rd Totnes Sea Scouts was one of a handful of youngsters from Teignbridge who were selected to take part in the jamboree in West Virginia.

The once in a lifetime stateside trip will enable Scouts to learn about conservation, outdoor skills, leadership development and global citizenship.

The lucky few have been hard at work fundraising for their flights and accommodation.

Donations can be given to Alastair by visiting www.gofundme.com/alastairs-world-scout-jamboree.