A Bradford sporting duo are about to embark on a mammoth test of physical and mental strength in a bid to raise money for two charities close to their hearts.

Ross Parr, Thornton, and Tobias Rawcliffe, Clayton, will kick-off a gruelling challenge this Sunday, which will see them run a marathon on seven consecutive days.

Beginning in Southport this weekend, the pair will make their way to Liverpool before taking on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal throughout the week. For the finale next Saturday, the pair will run from Leeds to Saltaire, back to Bradford and then finish in Halifax where their family and friends will be waiting.

Parr and Rawcliffe have selected two charities to raise money for along the way, with the former admitting: “Our main drive for doing this challenge is to raise money for two charities, which are MNDA and Marie Curie.

“My best friend (Tobias Rawcliffe) who I’m doing it with; unfortunately, his fiancé Chloe lost her uncle, Phil Stephenson (Keighley Cougars legend) to motor neurone disease in 2019 and Toby has tried to raise money for the charity (MNDA) ever since.

“My love and passion for Marie Curie comes from my mum and her close friends.

 “Over the last few years, we as a family have supported the charity immensely and have raised over £20,000. My mum has volunteered at one of the Marie Curie hospices, while she has also taken part in two treks across Costa Rica and Napal to raise money for Marie Curie. So, as a family the charity holds a special place in our hearts.”

Training for this monster challenge hasn’t always been easy for Parr, 32, but with the support of best friend ‘Toby’, he is hoping that they can push each other on to greatness.

He said: “I have my own child and business, so training is never easy, particularly to this extent where I’m out doing long runs and out for a long time.

“The training has been very strict, planned and I’ve had injuries along the way including a slight twinge at this current moment. Some would say the challenge is unrealistic, however, that is what is spurring us on and that’s what makes it exciting.

“It’s going to be really difficult for us but we will take each day as it comes. We are expecting the emotions to come on day three or day four when we have to wake up and go again; that’s something that we’ve both not done before, but we’ll stay strong; we must do because we are doing it for a great cause.”

Parr added: “To be doing this challenge with my best mate, Toby is brilliant. He’s been dedicated to this challenge for months now; he’s in great shape, mentally really strong and he’s looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s going to take a real best friend effort to get across that line come day seven, but I know we will both give each other strength to get across the line.”