Super-fit soldier embarks on marathon mission

A super-fit soldier from St Helens is set to embark on a gruelling mission in memory of one of his fellow comrades.

Major Mark Stansfield is attempting to run the entire 127-mile length of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal in just five days, which to put things into perspective, equates to running five marathons in as many days, the St Helens Reporter states.

Aiming to cross the finishing line by May 28th, Mark is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for the Help for Heroes charity and the British Limbless Ex-Servicemens’ Association.

However, the soldier – who completed a tour of duty in Afghanistan last summer – is embarking on the challenge to honour a young colleague who was killed by a bomb blast in the country in 2009.

"This lad had a really good future ahead of him but, sadly, paid the ultimate price," says Mark.

Prince Charles recently made a surprise visit to troops serving on the frontline in Afghanistan, praising members of the armed forces as "extraordinary".

Posted by Samantha Thompson