A CHEF who challenged himself to run 20 races in a year will finish his epic fundraising mission with a 90-mile endurance test.

When David Sawyer, of Bishop Middleham, near Sedgefield, took up running to lose weight at the age of 40, he never realised it would change his life.

Now 42, he is six stone lighter and nearing the end of a 240-mile charity challenge incorporating marathons and trail races across the country in aid of Breast Cancer Care.

This weekend, Mr Sawyer, a member of Sedgefield Harriers, will complete his final two races, Sedgefield Park Run on Saturday and the Castles Half-Marathon in Northumberland on Sunday.

And, to make the challenge all the greater, he will run between the two races, covering a total distance in excess of 90 miles.

Members of Sedgefield Harriers will support him for stretches of the challenge, which will also see him row across a river under the watchful eye of Blyth Royal National Lifeboat Association.

Mr Sawyer said: “Breast Cancer is a terrible disease and if by doing this I can raise more money for the charity it will all be worth it.”

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/my240milechallenge.