A COMMUNITY is rallying together to take on a huge physical challenge to celebrate what would have been a brave Canvey boy’s 18th birthday.

Danny Green died in July 2012 aged 11 in Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital following a battle with cancer.

Now, in the year Danny would have turned 18, his parents and friends are organising “Danny’s 18th Challenge” to run in February and March.

Starting on February 6, the challenge can be anything sport related, with people invited to challenge themselves.

People will be swimming 18 lengths, running 18 miles, doing 18 gym sessions or fitness classes.

People can also walk or bike and even simply walk to school.

The challenge is being organised by Katie Frost – whose son Dylan went to school with Danny – and by Hayley Smith whose twins Hannah and Joe also went to school with him.

They are encouraging people to make the challenge their own, raising money for the Danny Green Fund, set up following his death to help children with Posterial Fossa Syndrome (PFS). Other events this year include Danny’s Dress Green Day on February 6 – Danny’s birthday – and they are asking all schools, businesses and clubs to show their support by wearing something green and donating £1.

Another is Danny’s 18 mile Walk, where a group will be walking from East Beach, in Shoebury, to Canvey Island Football Club.

A date has not yet been decided and all challenges will require a minimum of £18 in sponsorship.

The initiative is open to all ages.

Lisa Green, Danny’s mum, said: “2019 was going to be a difficult year for us as a family with Danny’s 18th birthday coming up but without him here to celebrate it. We are overwhelmed by the number of people who have signed up in the first 24 hours wanting to get involved with the challenges, it is heart-warming for us and shows just how much Danny was loved.

“We are fortunate to be surrounded by a great community who are so keen to get involved and to help the charity to help others in his memory.

“The walk is to help others to help children who are sadly effected by Posterior Fossa Syndrome and who struggle to walk unaided. We are the only charity that provides this vital service for children who are suffering from this syndrome.” Contact the charity on info@thedannygreenfund.org.uk.