With six marathons, followed by six 100-mile bike rides, in his diary across just six days – it’s no wonder cyclist Ben Wood’s friends think he’s crazy.

Mr Wood, who works at Allterrain Cycles at Salts Mill, Saltaire, is part of the Ultra 6 Great Britain challenge group aiming to set a world record running and cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise £50,000 for soldiers’ charities.

The 33-year-old said: “It’s really good to be part of something unique. Everybody I speak to about it thinks I’m crazy – so that’s always a good thing!”

Mr Wood is joining a team who last year ran, kayaked and cycled across Europe for charity. The men aim to complete the 850 miles in 6.4 days.

Cold weather, dark nights, a bike ride fall leading to injuries and working 45 hours a week have not helped Mr Wood’s training, but neither have they put him off.

“It’s so draining, but I believe that sometimes we have to make sacrifices to do something good in our life,” said Mr Wood.

The team will run 26.2 miles in a morning, then cycle a further 100 miles on the same day – 15 hours on the move each day. “The running really affects the cycling. That soreness and pain and impact – it’s going to make it more difficult.”

Mr Wood, who lives in Eastburn, near Keighley, said the team hoped to encourage other people to get active.

People and businesses who sponsor the event are invited to join in the endeavour. Each sponsor will be able to drop in and out at any stage.

Mr Wood said he would also be willing to share his expertise.

The team will also be joined for two days by former soldier Andy Reid who lost three limbs while serving in Afghanistan in 2009 with the Yorkshire Regiment.

More information from ultra6.org. Sponsor the team at justgiving.com/ultra6org.