A YOUNG Vale singer has began his first charity fund-raiser of the year.

Alfie King, from Alexandria is aiming to raise money for the Beatson Cancer Charity by walking 50 miles before he turns 13 next month.

He hopes to meet his target of £100 before his birthday on March 9.

He told the Reporter: “I know this just feels right. A lot of charities especially the Beatson have had their big fund-raising events cancelled because of coronavirus which impacts on the support they can give to patients and their families.

“I would usually have been out busking to raise money, but I can’t do that and haven’t been able to do that for almost six months now.

“However, I can walk as part of my daily exercise so that is the reason why I set myself this challenge.

"The charity mean a lot to me and any donations that they receive I know are hugely appreciated.”

During lockdown last year Alfie and his musical partner Jack Mullen stood outside care homes around Dumbarton and the Vale singing for the elderly residents as well as raising money for CHAS’ Robin House in Balloch.

He told the Reporter that the charity is very close to his heart and why he chose to raise money for them.

He added: “The work the Beatson does for families hasn’t stopped because of the pandemic.

"The staff and volunteers are still there supporting them.

“I just see it as a way of saying thank you for everything they do. It’s my own little way of supporting them during this lockdown.”

The young musician also released his own song “I’m No Liar” last November to highlight the importance of being true to yourself.

Alfie continued: “In the mean time I want to thank everyone for their continued support throughout my journey.

“It really does mean a lot to me.”

Donations can be made either through his Facebook page or the his JustGiving page at justgiving.com/fundraising/Alfie-King13.

For more information and to keep up-to-date with his journey, follow his Facebook page at Alfie J King.