Two nine-year-old friends kept themselves busy during lockdown by setting themselves challenges to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Pals Ethan Ross from Totteridge and Joseph Morley from Friern Barnet have so far raised over £1,000.

The pair, who have been best friends since their mums met at a baby group, decided to record themselves individually doing one-hour activities before sticking it on their YouTube channel.

Their activities ranged from exercising and colouring in to reading and climbing stairs.

They were keen to add an element of fundraising to their challenge so decided to set themselves a £1,000 target for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Ethan’s mum Hannah said: “We are incredibly proud of the boys’ amazing fundraising achievement for a charity which is very close to our hearts as we have far too many friends and family who’ve had to fight cancer.

“It’s an incredible amount to be raised by two young boys and even more special because they’ve done it all themselves.”

Joseph’s mum Nicola added: “They have loved making the videos and seeing the donations build week after week and getting them closer to their target.

“They are both now back with their friends at school and pleased to be getting back to normal as lockdown eases but I’m sure they will continue to fundraise together as they think of other fun challenges and events over the summer.

“They’ve been bitten by the fundraising bug and are delighted by the support and positive reaction from everyone.”

Macmillan fundraising manager, Victoria Want, supported the boys with their challenge.

She said: “Ethan and Joseph are some of the youngest supporters to raise money for Macmillan during the pandemic and every week we were excited to see which activity they were going to do next.

“What a great example of how to turn the negative experience of lockdown into something challenging and worthwhile!”

For fundraising ideas and information visit their site here.

If you would like to donate to Ethan and Joseph’s challenge click here where you can also find a link to their YouTube channel.