A seven-year-old boy from Bollington was so shocked to learn there were homeless and mistreated animals in the world that he decided to walk 150km over the month of June to raise funds for the RSPCA.

George Jones and his family had just adopted a rabbit called Pickle from the RSPCA Manchester and Salford branch when the seven-year-old learned about the work of the RSPCA and why the charity was needed.

His mum Joanna explained that it hadn't occurred to him before that there would be animals who were mistreated or without homes and he was so shocked that he vowed to adopt every single animal in need.

"Obviously we couldn't do that!" Joanna said. "So I suggested we raise money for the RSPCA instead and my husband Richard came up with the idea of walking 150km throughout the month of June."

Even before he'd taken his first fundraising step, the JustGiving page his mum had set up for George that evening had already surpassed their donation target - in just one night!

George's mum, Joanna, said: "Adopting Pickle really opened up George's eyes. When we explained to him that Pickle had come from the RSPCA after he was rescued as a stray, he just couldn't believe people mistreated animals or that there were animals without homes, and the idea that there could be other rabbits like Pickle who needed help, really struck him.

"He did really well getting out and I think it was really good for him especially during lockdown as it gave us all something to do as a family. When we'd finished, I did have a moment of relief but also sadness thinking 'what are we going to do now'.

"When George saw the justgiving page and all the comments underneath wishing him good luck, he thought he was famous!"

George's little sister Nancy also took part and walked approximately half of the 150km - at just three-years-old!

George's final walk took place on June 30 in Salford Quays and as a surprise members of the branch as well as his family came to give him a socially distanced cheer.

Joanna added: "It was such a surprise when Susie from the RSPCA and our families were all there on the last walk. George heard clapping and started clapping too at first as he didn't realise it was for him, when he realised he was just amazed. We were so touched that people came out like that, it was lovely."

Overall, George managed to raise a whopping £1,844 which was 1,229% over their initial target of £150.

Since the end of June and the end of his challenge, George has been taking a well-earned rest from all his walking. The family have even decided to adopt a rabbit friend for Pickle. They are expecting to adopt Violet, who was rescued from a home with around 50 rabbits living in poor conditions, from the RSPCA Manchester and Salford branch after meeting her on Zoom for the first time last week.

There is still time to donate to George's challenge, here.

If you are feeling inspired by George's fundraiser, find out more about taking on a challenge for the RSPCA by clicking here