An aspiring footballer is racking up the miles in the gruelling Dubai heat to raise money for a teen cancer charity after losing two friends in two years.

Alfie Maloney from Swanley set himself the challenge of running 100 miles in August.

The 17-year-old lost one of his best friends, the Kent Football United goalkeeper Jordan Dawes, who died aged 18 in February 2019.

During her illness Jordan received messages of support from various celebs including Manchester United's goalie David De Gea.

Last year, hundreds gathered to pay tribute after another friend, the 16-year-old aspiring boxer Henry Boswell, also from Swanley, died from a rare form of bone cancer.

In November, Alfie decided to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust in their memory.

He undertook his first challenge of doing 3,000 push-ups throughout the month, raising a whopping £5,102.

Then in June, he did a skydive from 12,000ft at Headcorn, near Ashford, raising a further £2,361.

Keen to break his fundraising target of £10,000, the teen has set himself a third challenge of running 100 miles this month.

So far he has raised another £1,111 towards that total.

And the right-back, who attends a Charlton Athletic FC football college based in New Eltham, has been ensuring he gets his daily miles in, even on holiday.

The former Kemnal Technology College pupil is currently on a trip to Dubai and has attempted some of his runs in some scorching temperatures.

Dad Jamie Maloney said he was "so proud" of his son for undertaking the feat.

"We are blown away by the money he has raised," he said. "Everyone is encouraging him and cheering him on."

Alfie said: "I’ve been unlucky to lose two good friends in two years, Jordan Dawes and Henry Boswell, both teenagers and both in their prime.

"No teenager should have to suffer through this horrible disease.

"To be able to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust, which is such a worthwhile charity, means the world to me."

He added: "This will certainly not be my last challenge – I’m open to new ideas if anyone has any?"

To donate to Alfie's fundraiser click here.

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