A BUNCH of workmates are training hard for a fundraising challenge to run over 130 miles in four days.

Hook man James Westwood is one of a quintet from Personal Best Education who will be pounding the streets to raise money for the children’s cancer unit at Southampton General Hospital.

The five runners will start their marathon challenge from Ultimate Adventure Centre in north Devon at the end of May, and finish at Mountbatten School in Romsey.

Personal Best Education is a group which provides part-residential programmes for teenagers to get involved with community projects after they have finished their school exams in the summer.

Mr Westwood said: “It’s a daunting task we have ahead of us, running 43 miles a day. Staying fit and healthy, playing for the local football club, taking advice from the instructors at my gym, past experience in running two marathons, and my girlfriend being strict with our diet has all helped.

“That will only take me so far though. The rest will be a mental challenge. Knowing from experience the work Piam Ward do down at Southampton Hospital will definitely give us the motivation to complete the 131 miles.”

Last year, Personal Best raised £65,000 for lcharity. The marathon men aim to raise £1,300 from this challenge.

David Burchett, director of business and innovation at Personal Best Education, said: “The National Citizen Service scheme provides young people the perfect opportunity and support to make real differences in people’s lives.”

For more information about the NCS programme, visit mypbed.co.uk/NCS. To donate to James and his team, visit justgiving.com/PBEDTeam.