An Abergavenny schoolboy will embark on an epic walking challenge to raise money for Children in Need.

Ten-year-old Dante Valaydon-Pillay is planning to walk up the Sugarloaf mountain in Abergavenny everyday for 5 consecutive days.

Dante plans on completing the challenge over five days in April starting on April 11.

Dante will be accompanied on each of his hikes by different family members, and will be joined by former rugby player Ed Jackson on his first walk.

Having wrote to Jackson about his challenge, Dante was delighted to receive a letter back asking if Ed Jackson could join him on his first walk up the mountain, with Dante very excited by his kind offer.

In April 2017, Ed Jackson suffered a spinal injury, a fractured C6/C7 joint dislocation, after diving into the shallow end of a swimming pool. Yet despite his horrific injuries, Ed has since climbed several mountains and runs a not-for-profit charity called Millimeters to Mountains.

Dante has chosen to fundraise for Children in Need as he wants to help other children, having been through a difficult period over the last couple of years when his mother Frances became ill.

Frances said: “A few years ago I had a series of major strokes. I was in hospital for three months, and because I was so ill it was too traumatic for Dante to visit.

“This was an awful time for Dante and I, but he has shown so much bravery and resilience.

‘‘He would like to help other children as he has been lucky himself with the fantastic help friends and family have given to him, and knows that other children aren’t always as lucky to receive this help and support.”

Dante has kindly been sponsored by local Abergavenny store Mountain Warehouse with chief executive Mark Neale, himself from Abergavenny, personally writing back after Dante contacted him to offer him hiking kit for his challenge.

Following this Dante visited the store in Abergavenny last week where staff helped him pick out his gear for his challenge.

Mountain Warehouse CEO Mark Neale said: ““I’ve climbed the Sugar Loaf a few times myself, but never five days in a row.

‘‘We are very happy to be able to support Dante with his inspiring challenge.”

As part of his fundraising challenge Dante has also set up a JustGiving page online, raising over £400 so far.

Speaking about his challenge, Dante said: “I’m currently doing lots of training for the challenge, and am very excited to get up the mountain in April.

‘‘I’d like to thank everyone for their support so far.”

To donate to Dante’s challenge, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/littlepersonmightymountian