A pair of north London 12-year-olds have gone the distance to fund the celebrations of two Ethiopian barmitzvah boys in Israel.

Jude Garcia and Jake Lowy raised more than £2,000 by walking 13 miles from Winchmore Hill to central London for the MyIsrael charity. The proceeds will go to its Forgotten People Fund, set up to help Ethiopian families in need.

The boys, who became friends at Wolfson Hillel Primary in Southgate, were accompanied by their mums on the trek, which ended at Great Ormond Street Hospital. 

They have also pledged to use some of the money received at their upcoming barmitzvahs to buy games consoles for patients.

Jake, a pupil at JCoSS, said he felt “lucky” to be having a barmitzvah party in April and that he wanted to share some of that good fortune. “Ethiopian children in Israel don’t have all that – they can only dream about it.”

Added Jude, who attends Immanuel College: “Just because they can’t afford it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t get to have the experience.”

Thanking the boys, MyIsrael founder Danni Franks said: “Usually these Ethiopian children do very little to mark this momentous time. If they attend a shul they may be called up to the Torah but unfortunately their families can do very little else for them.

“The money that you raised is going to allow two boys​ to celebrate their barmitzvahs in a wonderful and joyous simchah. The impact this will have on them is so profound."