A FORMER solider who is tackling 45 marathons in as many days to raise £100,000 for charity is due to pass through the Bradford district this weekend.

Gavin Sandford, 41, is taking on the mammoth challenge – while pushing a barrel – to raise cash for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Children's Hospital in Birmingham.

Mr Sandford, from the Midlands, who was in the army for five years and now works as a hospital practitioner, is scheduled to run from Long Preston to Bradford via Keighley on Sunday.

"It is an extreme and exciting challenge and I'm fortunate that many good people have already pledged support but I hope others can help too," he said.

"We need collectors along the route and any physiotherapists who can assist with recovery, and importantly we really need people's enthusiastic support."

The challenge is due to finish at Land's End on Saturday, September 20.

To offer help, call 07817 213196 or 07850 556415. To donate, text iciw99 to 70070 or visit icanandiwill.co.uk.