A RUNNER is taking on the challenge of a lifetime to raise funds for a leukaemia charity.
Firefighter Michael Dayson is tackling the gruelling Marathon des Sables - a 151-mile six-day race across the Sahara - in aid of the Anthony Nolan Trust.
The 26-year-old from Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, is asking businesses to help him raise £10,000 before he sets off in April.
He said: "In the next few weeks, I will be stepping up my intensive training in preparation for the humid conditions. In March, I will be going along to the University of Teesside to train in the climate tunnel, which will replicate the Sahara Desert conditions."
Next week, he aims to run the 112-mile-long Cleveland Way in 48 hours.
Mr Dayson became a registered bone marrow donor when a school friend was diagnosed with leukaemia and has tried to raise funds for the charity ever since.
Anyone wanting to help Mr Dayson can visit www.justgiving.com/michaeldayson or call 07885 256118.
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