A CROSS Roads dad is nearing the end of a gruelling charity challenge that began just over a year ago.

Jonathan Carter – a charge nurse and nurse practitioner at Airedale Hospital – set out to run 40 marathons in a year to raise money for the Brathay Trust, which helps vulnerable and 'hard to reach' young people across the country.

But the epic venture has evolved into 50 marathons in 14 months.

And the energy-sapping culmination, when Mr Carter will tackle ten marathons in as many days, is fast approaching.

Since he started the challenge, to mark his 40th birthday, Mr Carter has logged all his mileage – races and training.

So far, he has clocked-up nearly 2,000 miles.

"I've run throughout the United Kingdom as well as in France, Poland and Italy," he said.

"During that period, I've set a new personal best time of three hours, one minute and ten seconds.

"I'm now nearing the end but the hardest challenge of the 14 months remains."

Mr Carter and ten other athletes will begin the Brathay 10 in 10 – ten marathons on consecutive days around Lake Windermere in the Lake District – on May 13.

His effort has already coined in more than £3,000.

"The main aim has been to raise money for the Brathay Trust, whose headquarters are in the Lake District but which has centres across West Yorkshire," he said.

"It is hoped that by raising these funds, some of the charity's team will be able to work within the Keighley area.

"The trust works with some of the most vulnerable and 'hard to reach' children and young people in their communities. It helps more than 6,000 young people every year.

"The experiences their time with Brathay create inspire children and young people to make positive changes in their lives."

Support for the initiative has been provided by Eastwood Primary School in Keighley.

A Healthy Futures week was staged in March, which included a running challenge led by Mr Carter.

Pupils and staff ran laps of Victoria Park, together aiming to cover the 262 miles he will take on at Windermere. More than 400 miles were actually run and nearly £1,000 raised.

Visit runningawayfrom40.co.uk or justgiving.co.uk/runningawayfrom40 to support Mr Carter.