NOT content with going the extra mile as a regular Red Cross volunteer, one Dorking resident has decided to go an extra 60 to raise funds for the charity.
Jay Thompson, of Dukes Ride, North Holmwood, will take on the daunting task of running 100k from London to Brighton later this month despite never having run a marathon.
The 30-year-old said he wanted to take on an unusual challenge in order to attract more sponsorship for a charity which is close to his heart.
He told the Advertiser: "I started running in 2007 when I gave up smoking and I've just done 10ks and things since. I've never done anything longer than a half marathon.
"I tried to do this year's London Marathon and didn't get a place so instead I just thought I would try something that's a bit 'out there'. It's mad but, the way I saw it, it was a case of just go head first. From a sponsorship perspective, I'm hoping it will wow people."
Mr Thompson, who manages London's network of railway station information boards for a living, has been taking on 20-mile runs twice a week since November. But the full horror of running three times that distance in one go – on May 25 – is yet to hit his body.
"I've not gone over 20 miles in my training, which is deliberate because I don't want to end up injuring myself and scuppering my chances," he explained.
"My main fear is eating – how I will take on food. On a 20-mile run there's no requirement to eat while you're doing it. But if I do 60 miles I will need food at some point, and I'm not quite sure how I'm going to react."
Mr Thompson, who helps as a Red Cross volunteer at local events such as village fetes, aims to complete his run in under 16 hours.
To sponsor him, visit http://uk. virginmoneygiving.com/JayThompson
