STYAL Running Club’s Charlie Pearson is running a most gruelling challenge this week.

Ahead of his participating in Sunday’s London Marathon, he is running all the way to the starting line from Altrincham.

His gruelling trek, which takes in Northampton, Milton Keynes and Watford, is in aid of the Brain and Spine Foundation, a cause close to his family.

Charlie said: "We have been involved with the foundation since 2001, because of what my family had been through since my daughter Lizzie and I were involved in a road accident in 1995. I was out for a few days but Lizzie was in a coma for two months.

"Lizzie missed out on a year of school but has gone on to achieve success at school and college and is in full-time employment.

"My reason for still supporting the charity is the research, support and service offered to the people who have to go through injury or illness to the brain and spine and also to the families and friends of the patients.

"It can happen to anyone and the effects can be devastating."

Charlie’s Styal RC colleague Tony Collier is also running a stage with him.

Donations can be sent to www.justgiving.com/charliepearson .