A man is attempting to walk from Big Ben in London to the school his sister works at in Lancashire, without any sleep, to raise money for children with learning difficulties.

Next week, Leon Smithson from Preston, will attempt to walk the gruelling 210 miles from London to Acorns Primary School in Moor Park, Preston, without a wink of sleep.

The 33-year-old, who has only been training for the task for two weeks, hopes to complete the mammoth challenge in around four days, and is aiming to raise £2,000 in the process.

Mr Smithson said: "I fully understand that this may be a step too far off the back of two weeks' training but I guess we will find out.

"My two sisters, and girlfriend Helen, all work with children with complex needs and although it’s rewarding it does take its toll.

Lancashire Telegraph: Acorns Primary School in PrestonAcorns Primary School in Preston

"Because of this I hope to raise as much money as I can for the Acorns Primary School where my sister Kelly works and where my goddaughter attends.

"I don’t for one minute pretend to know or understand just how hard the running of the Acorns school must be on a day-to-day basis, but from what my sister tells me I can appreciate the effort the staff put in to make it a great place to be for the children.

"Knowing this I hope the people who can afford to will dig deep and help contribute to an amazing school which is at the heart of our community in Preston."

Mr Smithson, an electrician by trade, is no stranger to gruelling physical challenges, having competed in several white collar boxing matches over the years.

He even took on the national three peaks challenge last year to raise funds for mental health charities.

He added: "If I do fail next week then attempt number two will be in the spring.

"But I hope it doesn't come to that."

To donate to Mr Smithon's fundraiser head to GoFundMe.com/leonsbigbentoacorns

Lancashire Telegraph: