NORTH-EAST entrepreneur Sir Graham Wylie is planning to burn off a staggering 12.000 calories in a bid to raise funds for his charitable foundation

Sir Graham will rund the equivalent of running five marathons in daily sessions at Speedflex, in Jesmond, Newcastle – gym which uses a high-intensity training system.

He is hoping he will be sponsored to hit his personal target, with the aim of raising £10,000 for special projects in the region.

Sir Graham completed a similar challenge to burn 10,000 calories a year ago and raised around £30,000 but he has decided to go one better and hit 12k this time round, which is equal to running 131 miles.

The charity founder will be taking part in daily sessions, where he estimated he can lose between 300-400 calories. He will be starting his challenge on 1 August – the first day Speedflex opens its doors again after lockdown – and is also hoping other people might join him.

Sir Graham said: “It’s been a very hard time for charities who have all suffered during lockdown,” said Sir Graham.

“And I really wanted to do something that would be a personal challenge but also would help the Foundation to support some special projects in the region.

“I’m all set to do half an hour every day, with perhaps a couple of sessions at weekends, just to make sure that I reach my goal.”

Anyone who wants to join the challenge themselves and is not a member of Speedflex can take advantage of a special six-week membership package giving them unlimited access to the gyms

To support the fund raising click here.