A PRESTON schoolboy who battled through a turbulent six-week illness at the start of this year, is set to wade in deep and paddle 60 miles in a charity canoe expedition.

Lee James Warren, 13, of Lychfield Drive, Bamber Bridge, is aiming to raise cash for cancer sufferers and people with arthritis when he paddles Scotland's Caledonian canal, near Loch Ness, next month.

The Hutton Grammar school pupil is spurred on by his grandmother Emmeline Cawthorne, 63, who has suffered from crippling rheumatoid arthritis since she was 15 and is recovering from breast cancer.

His mighty challenge comes after the youngster spent six weeks bed-bound after being diagnosed with viral fatigue. And last week he speared his foot with a nail while helping to build a garden shed.

Lee James's mum, Linda, 39, said: "I'm really proud of Lee, he made the decision to raise the money all on his own after seeing his grandma suffer with arthritis and breast cancer.

"She has had to have new knee and shoulder joints. But the cancer came as a complete shock.

"She got the all clear toward the end of last year."

The expedition starts at Neptune Staircase, Fort William, on June 2 and will take in Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness, finishing at Inverness on June 6. All proceeds will go to Arthritic Care and Cancer Research UK.

Lee James's grandma, Mrs Cawthorne, from Walton-le-Dale, said: "He has been my lifeline. He does lots around the house. He takes me out in my wheelchair and puts the bins out for me."

On the expedition Lee James will be accompanied by his dad William, 39, and granddad Tony, 58, who will take turns to paddle with the youngster.

Granddad Tony Warren, from Penrith, said: "I'm really proud of LJ. If he wanted to go up Everest I'd back him all the way."

Anyone wishing to sponsor Lee can call 339623.