A KEIGHLEY man will put his active lifestyle to good use by completing a gruelling 80-mile challenge to support a family hit by a tragic, sudden bereavement.

Gareth Chapman, 35, who lives off Fell Lane, is planning to run and walk non-stop from Keighley to the small town of Millom in Cumbria. He will set off on September 30 and hopes to finish in as little as 18 hours.

He explained that he is raising money for a Cumbria-based family, whose mother died of a heart condition in August leaving behind her husband and five children.

One of the bereaved children is the boyfriend of Mr Chapman's daughter, Emily.

Mr Chapman, who is a former Cumbria County fell running champion, said: "I know one hundred per cent that I'll be able to complete this.

"There isn't a lot I can do to help this family during such dark times, but this is one thing I know I can do.

"I already know the route very well because I've travelled along it many times, so I'll just be able to crack on."

His partner, Donna Thompson, said: "Gareth walks everywhere and is very fit, active and determined.

"He'll be setting off at 3am and I'll be meeting him at three checkpoints along the way, and at the finish."

People who want to support Mr Chapman's effort can visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Penrith-Fundraising-1 to donate, and for more details about the challenge.