Local fundraiser John Curd has set off on his latest challenge in running and cycling the equivalent length of Route 66, raising money for the Southport Lifeboat in the process.

The 76-year-old who lives in Marshside has raised thousands of pounds for dozens of charities over the years, by taking part in charity runs all around the world, including the London, New York and Barcelona Marathons.

John said, “In total I have done 120 full marathons and 235 half marathons, 35 of which were Great North Runs.

“I’ve helped raise money for many charities close to my heart, both local and national including Queenscourt Hospice, Alder Hey, Prostate Cancer UK and MIND.

“All of the UK's major running events have been cancelled for obvious reasons, so I am doing ‘virtual runs’ to fundraise instead.

“I have set myself the challenge of running the equivalent distance of Route 66, which is 2,280 miles!”

John started the challenge on the 1st of January and has already clocked up 670 miles by running and cycling in the local area.

In 2015, John raised money for the Southport Lifeboat whilst running in his 30th Great North Run and has decided to help raise money for them again this year.
“I am running in aid of a lifesaving charity that is dear to all of Southport: the Southport Offshore Rescue Trust,” said John.

“The brave members of the Trust who risk their lives to keep us safe are volunteers and receive no financial remuneration.”

John hasn’t set a date for when he will complete the challenge by, simply saying “It will likely take me a good few months to run it!”

If you would like to sponsor John on his challenge you can using the donate button below, through John's Facebook page or through our website at using the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/john.curd1/...16396816866968

http://www.southport-lifeboat.org.uk/more_info.asp...

Great to hear John is putting his bike to good use, for such a worthy cause......Those politicians who have been trying to knock local cycling on the head, should be ashamed of themselves!