A 13-YEAR-OLD boy was so upset about seeing homeless people struggling on the streets he has decided to help.

Gabriel Preston, from Portslade, was shopping with his family when he and his sister got so upset he has decided to take action.

He said: “There are so many homeless people in Brighton and they really need our help. I feel really sad seeing them like this.

The Portslade Aldridge Community Academy pupil has decided to climb the highest mountain in Wales to raise money for a homeless charity.

He is tackling Mount Snowdon to raise funds to help rough sleepers after seeing so many of them on the streets last Christmas.

He has devoted his school holidays to training for his first-ever mountain climb.

“I am very excited about the challenge. I’ve never done mountain climbing before but I’ve been training hard with mum.

“I hope to raise as much money as possible to help them out.”

Mother Andrea Preston, 44, is very proud of her son.

She said: “Last year we were out doing some Christmas shopping and Gabriel and his sister, Daisy, became upset and overwhelmed by the number of people sleeping on the streets.

“When they got back into the car, they were really quiet and they asked me if we can do something to help them.

“We did some research and found the Sussex Homeless Support group.

“We’ve been donating sleeping bags, boots and warm clothes to the homeless. Then we thought we should try and raise some money for the charity.

“I’m really proud of Gabriel. He’s always been a compassionate, caring and sensitive boy. I daresay not many people, at 13, would be doing something like this.

“A lot of people have pledged their support by cash or online donation.”

Gabriel will be climbing Mount Snowdon next Wednesday. Go to gofundme.com/snowdon-amp-10k-run to support him.