MOST three-year-olds spend their weekends racing around playgrounds or learning to ride a scooter.

But little Kip Martin has set himself a special challenge – walking 3km to raise money for Salisbury District Hospital, where doctors and nurses are helping treat his dad’s cancer.

Kip, from Baughurst in Hampshire, will take part in the Stars Appeal’s Walk for Wards event at Wilton House on July 5 alongside his parents, Simon and Rosie, and his 16-month-old sister, Pandora, known as Panda.

And while thousands of adults are expected to take part, Kip may be one of the youngest fundraisers on the day.

Kip has his Stars Appeal t-shirt ready.

His reason for taking on the challenge is simple.

“I wanted to run a marathon to raise some money for the hospital but it’s too long for my little legs,” he said. “So, I am walking 3km.”

Kip’s father Simon, 40, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in March and has been undergoing treatment at Salisbury Hospital.

Throughout months of appointments and treatment, Simon said his son has been a source of strength and positivity.

“Kip’s been absolutely amazing while I’ve been undergoing my treatment,” he said. “He is really excited about doing Walk for Wards and wants to help people in hospital.”

Simon has been supported by a number of services funded by the Stars Appeal, including hospital chaplains, aromatherapy sessions and the charity-funded Wi-Fi service.

The Wi-Fi became especially important during a three-week stay in hospital.

Kip with dad in Salisbury Hospital.

“I didn’t get mobile phone reception, so it meant I could have video calls with Kip, Panda and my wife,” Simon said. “Being able to stay in touch was huge for us as a family and it made me feel less alone.

“I can’t emphasise enough how impactful the conversation with the chaplain was in helping me get to grips with what I was facing. My wife was with me and we were in tears, the worst thing had happened, but the chaplain’s visit was transformative. From that moment, we have been really positive about what’s been happening.”

Now, while Simon continues his treatment, his youngest supporter is stepping up to help give something back.