A ROMSEY boy has raked in hundreds of pounds for a charity who help people suffering from a long-term illness.

Sonny Gray raised £430 for his 100 mile cycling challenge, which has seen him ride around Romsey and Southampton to help people who live with chronic fatigue syndrome.

The money will go towards the charity, Action for M.E, which aims to save people from the illness.

Sonny's mum, Emma Gray, said: "The challenge started on June 1 and Sonny managed to ride 100 miles in 17 days, so he set another challenge of 160 miles.

"By the end of June he rode 182 miles and raised £430, when his target was initially £100, so he has done really well considering before lockdown he was not really interested in riding his bike.

"Sonny said to me 'I want to raise the money so people don't get sick like you', because I was diagnosed with ME when I was nine and since my teens I have been bedbound.

"I did not think I would have children, so he is extra special."

When asked how Sonny reacted when he reached his £100 target in five days, Emma said he was "absolutely chuffed and was screaming down the phone saying 'I've raised £160', which was really sweet".

The 35-year-old, who lives in Magnolia Walk, highlighted her son is part of Romsey Young Carers and helps look after her on a daily basis, adding: "He is my gentle giant."

"Romsey Primary School [where Sonny attends] has been cheering Sonny on and he will also be getting a certificate from Action for M.E, because they are really pleased with his work."

Emma added Sonny "probably will" do another fundraiser in the summer holidays, as he "wants to keep cycling".

To donate to Sonny's cause visit https://bit.ly/2VyHTVs.