A DAD who turns 40 next year is tackling a mammoth charity challenge to mark the milestone.

Jonathan Carter, of Cross Roads, near Keighley, aims to run 40 marathons between now and the big day in June, 2016.

And the punishing programme will culminate with the Brathay 10 in 10 – ten marathons in as many days around Lake Windermere.

Mr Carter, who works as an emergency nurse practitioner and charge nurse at Airedale General Hospital in Steeton, hopes his gruelling exploits will raise over £3,000 for the Brathay Trust, which helps vulnerable and 'hard to reach' young people across the country.

"With some young people I see through work I think if they'd just had somebody to help them at the right point they may not have ended up in the Emergency Department," he said.

"The charity does fantastic work helping children to develop the confidence, motivation and skills they need to unlock their potential and make positive changes to their lives.

"It has offices in Bradford, so helps young people in our own area.

"I've run the Windermere marathon a few times and seen people doing the 10 in 10 and thought that's something I would like to have a go at."

Mr Carter will be averaging about two marathons a month, including some overseas, in the run-up to the 10 in 10 and takes part in his first – at Grizedale Forest – on Sunday.

Mr Carter has been determined to continue with his training, despite the hindrance of the recent snow and ice.

"I've always been a runner and have done a few marathons before but I have never tackled anything on this scale," he said.

"Training has been going OK, despite the wintry weather. I managed to do over a hundred miles or so in January."

His four-year-old daughter, Erin, has also been inspired to run. She will be tackling a mini marathon at Sunday's event.

And both his wife, Suzanne, and dad David will be taking part in the final event of the 10 in 10.

"They're out to beat me!" he said.

Mr Carter, a member of the Keighley Scout Service Team, is hoping to work with local schools as part of his initiative.

Anyone wishing to support Mr Carter can contact him via his dedicated website, runningawayfrom40.co.uk, or his Facebook page.