A BUDDING young boxer has run 20 kilometres and raised £1,000 to help NHS workers on the front line against coronavirus.

When Adam Maca,12, was left unable to box after the lockdown set in, he decided to turn his hand to running instead.

The champion boxer from Shoreham said: “I’ve really wanted to get back to boxing, but all the gyms are shut.

“Since Covid-19 I’ve been unable to exercise and train in my usual way.

“I thought I could use my energy to do a 12-mile run to raise money for the NHS during this difficult time.”

Adam’s father Vladimir Maca, 39, said one evening, Adam had come down the stairs and told the family he would be running further than he had ever done before.

Vladimir said: “He just came down and said he’d be doing it in a week’s time.

“I asked him if he was sure, and if he’d have enough time to train. The most he’d ever done before was five miles. He said he’d be fine – and he was.”

Adam completed the run on April 19. He said he’d found it “easier than boxing” and a bit more relaxing.

Not only did he cover more than double his previous greatest distance, but he also raised more than double his £500 fundraising target for the NHS.

Adam wanted to support the health service that has been looking after his heroes in the crisis.

Vladimir said his son had been checking the news and reading about coaches and figures in the boxing world who have died from Covid-19.

He said: “Adam told us he’d be running after he heard another boxing coach had died with coronavirus. I think that was the inspiration more than anything else – that’s what got him thinking about how to help.”

Life without boxing has been difficult for Adam. He won the Southern Counties championship last year, and had been preparing for national competitions that have now been cancelled.

Valdimir said: “He’s been boxing since he was six years old. He trains three to four times a week without fail. He just loves the sport. He’ll still train even on his birthday.

“It’s been hard for him, but I’m so proud of what he’s been doing.”

Adam would like to thank Fishersgate Boxing Club and his current club Rumbles Boxing Academy.

You can still donate to his fundraiser at www.gofundme.com/f/run-12-miles-for-the-nhs-angels