A NORTH-EAST soldier serving in Afghanistan has completed a double marathon to raise money for a charity back home.

Deaglan O’Neill, from Thornaby, near Stockton, completed the gruelling 52 mile challenge for the Middlesbrough-based charity Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice.

The 25-year-old, who is serving in the British Army’s Royal Irish Regiment in Kabul, Afghanistan, carried 33lbs of military equipment in the sweltering desert heat as part of his exhausting journey.

Two groups of soldiers took part in the double marathon, with one travelling north and the other travelling south, until they met in the middle to mark the completion of 52 miles.

“We did it in one continuous go, moving at a pace of 5.5km per hour,” Mr O’Neill explained.

The group set themselves a target of 16 hours, but completed the journey “slightly ahead of time”, reaching the finish point after 15 hours and 40 minutes.

“The distance wasn't too much of a problem but walking on concrete the whole way took its toll on our feet in a pretty big way,” he said.

“I had to take a break and have some blisters drained on my feet at the nine-hour point.

“Apart from that, there were no stops,” he added.

Mr O’Neill was joined by teams made up of various nationalities, including people from America and Denmark, throughout his journey.

“By the morning things were pretty emotional,” he admitted.

“I preferred to run at this point to take the pressure off my feet.

“We were given massive amounts of support at the end from a host of Royal Irish officers and soldiers, which really made the difference,” he added.

Zoë’s Place, based in Normanby, Middlesbrough, offers respite and palliative care for young children and babies with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and illnesses.

“It was a real pleasure to be able to help Zoe’s Place,” said Mr O’Neill, who has so far raised more than £800.

“They do a really amazing job for those who need it most and should get as much support as possible."

To donate to Mr O’Neill’s fundraising campaign, visit the donation website justgiving.com/fundraising/D-agl-n-O-Neill.