A CHARITY fundraiser known as Run Geordie Run has left his native North-East to start the next stage of his bid to run around the world.

Software developer Mark Allison has set himself the challenge of running 20,000 miles and has already conquered the USA and Australia.

He left the region yesterday (Monday, April 25) to embark on the 3,400 punishing miles across Europe, starting on May 1.

Mr Allison, formerly of Shotley Bridge, who now lives in Bedlington, is running through 14 countries and includes the Pyrenees and Alps mountain ranges, 15 Tour de France climbs and one Giro d'Italia climb.

He said: “This run is a big step up for me in terms of distance and especially elevation.

“It’s 300 miles longer than my run across America and I’ll be doing it in the same number of days.

“The logistics of running through so many different countries brings with it a whole new set of challenges, too. Europe’s certainly been a lot more difficult to plan for than previous runs.”

Mr Allison begins his run to raise funds for The Children’s Foundation and Sir Bobby Robson Foundation on May 1 in Lisbon, Portugal, and plans to finish in Istanbul, Turkey, 100 days later.

To support him, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/rungeordierun.