FORMER solider and extreme athlete, Darren Hardy, has completed his superhuman challenge after crossing the finish line of his 211km self-supported run in 50 hours.

Battling through the weather, sleep deprivation and exhaustion, Darren had to reach into every reserve of determination he could and in the end, it was a picture of Aggie, the same 12-year-old girl he is raising money for, that got him through.

Darren said: “There was a moment coming into marathon three that I hit a real low point and felt like that was it.

“I tried to sleep for 10 minutes as I hadn’t slept in 37 hours, but the pain in my feet was too much. So I rang Aggie’s parents to get a photo of Aggie, and I also got a picture of my own kids sent through. That was all I needed to push me through to the end.”

Just three weeks ago, the “5 IN 50” challenge was conceived by Darren having seen Aggie’s story on social media inspiring him to do something to help.

The challenge saw him complete five marathons back-to-back, carrying everything he needs in an Osprey backpack from his nutrition provided by Resilient Nutrition, to water, wet kit, warm kit and first aid kit.

Darren’s wife, Gemma added; “I think he’s amazing how he can have a little idea three weeks ago and now all of a sudden its now a reality with £17,000 raised so far.”

All of the money raised will be going towards lifesaving treatment for Aggie Candy-Waters, who was diagnosed with the world’s rarest disease, H-ABC, at the age of five.

Now 12 years old, Aggie who used to run, play and sing is permanently in a wheelchair and is rapidly losing her fine motor skills - meaning she is fed, dressed and carried by her parents, and is losing her ability to speak.

Richard Candy-Waters, Aggie’s dad, said: “It’s absolutely priceless that Darren can raise the profile of the condition, and the gutsy way that Darren has taken on this challenge is extraordinary. We are eternally grateful to Darren for every step he took over the last few days.”

Darren, a double gold medallist and Warrior Games record breaker completed numerous extreme sports challenges for charity in 2020, raising £24,000.

He thanked Resilient Nutrition and Osprey for their support in making this challenge possible. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/darren-hardy123.