Medical student Jonathan Pawson has set himself a gigantic challenge.

Jonathan, 22, who is from Skipton, is planning to complete a 100 mile ultra-marathon around the Lake District in July to raise money for the NSPCC.

He signed up for the challenge after attending a lecture on child abuse.

“This was deeply disturbing and it upset me to think that people could do such horrible acts of cruelty to innocent children,” said Jonathan, who is in his second year of studying medicine at Hull York Medical School. “So I wanted to do my bit to try to end cruelty to children.”

Jonathan is no stranger to running. He has been a member of Skipton Athletics Club for about 10 years, participating in mainly short distance fell or cross-country races and, as a junior, represented both Yorkshire and England at cross-country and fell running events.

He told the Herald: “This will be my first ultra marathon event. The furthest I have ever run is 26 miles – and that hurt – so 100 miles over the Lake District’s fells will be pretty tough.”

The race will involve an ascent of 6,300 metres and has to be completed within 40 hours.

“I will have to battle through pain, sleep deprivation and the Lake District weather to complete the race so it will be a gruelling test of both mental and physical endurance,” said Jonathan.

“I want to hopefully become a medical officer with the Royal Marines so I figured that running 100 mile fell race would be a good test of determination, which I will need in abundance to earn a green beret.”

To prepare for the challenge, Jonathan took part in the Coniston 14 road race and finished in 14th place, competed in the Hull Marathon, finishing 12th and is planning to run the Three Peaks on Saturday.

He is currently seeking sponsors. “Please help me raise as much money as possible to help end cruelty to children. Every donation, no matter how small really does make a difference,” he said.

To donate, visit uk.virignmoneygiving.com/JonathanPawson