PERSONAL trainer Christopher Marshall took on a gruelling 300km run to raise money in memory of a friend who died from breast cancer, aged just 43.

Christopher, 42, from Lundwood, tackled the Northern Traverse a 187mile trip from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay to raise cash for Barnsley Hospital’s Breast Care Appeal.

He realised he had to do something after the death of someone he had worked with for 15 years and wanted to support the breast care appeal which aims to transform the hospital’s breast care unit into a welcoming, modern, and dignified space for patients.

And his super human effort has earned him a Proud of Barnsley nomination from the hospital’s charity team, with their nomination describing Christoper as ‘an exceptional individual whose determination, courage and compassion deserve to be celebrated’.

It added: “His achievement is more than just a physical triumph it represents the very best of what community-driven fundraising can achieve.”

Christopher pushed his body to the max travelling over some of the UK’s most difficult terrain. Crossing the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors.

Over the course of the 78 hours, he battled fatigue, harsh weather, mountains and physical exhaustion in a run even he had to describe as ‘a nightmare’.

The journey to achieving the 300km started over a year ago and included intensive preparation and training.

It also required help from Keely, his wife, son Ronnie and an army of friends and volunteers.

“I’m the one who did the running, but honestly it’s been a team effort,” he added.

“Cancer in any form is a horrible disease. It can leave families devastated. I wanted to do something that pushed me to my limits - because people battling cancer don’t get a choice.

“My hope is not necessarily to inspire people to take up hard challenges, but more aimed at inspiring people to want to give back from time to time. It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”