AN ENDURANCE runner from Bournemouth is preparing to take part in a gruelling 100 mile race in the hope of raising hundreds of pounds for charity.

Robert Churchward said his life now revolves around training for the Apocalypse 100 challenge, which he is due to complete on May 17 in the Shropshire hills.

The 23-year-old, who grew up in Poole and now lives in Bournemouth, said: “Last year I did a 50 mile race in Switzerland all over the Swiss Alps to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

“When I finished that I thought there is no way I could do it again but the next week I knew I wanted to do the 100.”

Mr Churchward is raising money for Fibromyalgia Association UK, a charity which supports people suffering from the long-term condition that can cause pain all over the body.

“My mum has Fibromyalgia,” he explained.

“That’s why I wanted to raise money for the charity.”

The former Poole High pupil has been training for the epic challenge since before Christmas and trains most days. “It’s a gradual build-up process,” he explained.

“I do two or three sessions a day. You start off with short runs and gradually build up the distance.

“Generally I only run on hills – that’s where you build up the strength in your legs.”

The sports enthusiast, who is also a member of Poole Amateur Boxing Club, said his love of endurance running was passed down from his father.

“My dad is an endurance runner too,” he said.

“He has run two 50 mile races and is doing a 100 mile race in August but I’ll do mine before him.

“He boxes and I box too. I haven’t done it purposely but I seem to have followed in his footsteps.”

To sponsor Robert go to justgiving.com/fibro100