TOBIAS Rawcliffe is a man on a mission.

He aims to run 2,021 miles this year to raise £2,021 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

His mammoth effort is in tribute to the late Phil Stephenson, the Keighley Cougars rugby league star who died in 2019 – aged 47 – after battling the disease.

The club legend was the uncle of Tobias’ partner, Chloe Stephenson.

Tobias, 25, a head of marketing, has a series of events lined-up.

He kicked-off his campaign with a 20-mile run to Headingley, where former Leeds Rhinos star Rob Burrows – who is currently staging his own fight against motor neurone disease – played his rugby.

Other gruelling events planned include a David Goggins Challenge next month, which involves running four miles every four hours for 48 hours.

He also has a half-marathon scheduled in April, ultra challenges covering over 30 miles and two marathons – Madrid and Manchester – later in the year.

“My main reason for taking on the challenge is to raise awareness of – and support – the charity that exists to aid those with motor neurone disease,” says Tobias.

“In 2019 my girlfriend and her family unfortunately lost her father’s brother, Phil Stephenson, to the disease after a long and hard-fought battle.

“I have participated in other events to support the #TeamStevo movement in tribute to Phil – running the Great North Run and shaving my head – but I wanted to create a challenge that offers more than a single positive outcome.”

Tobias has set-up an online fundraising page, at justgiving.com/fundraising/tobias-rawcliffe, which has already coined-in over £1,100.

He added: “With updates on Strava, the Just Giving page and my Instagram – @tobiasrawcliffe – I am documenting the journey along with all the other occurrences that come with a year-long event.

“As well as raising awareness and funds for the charity I hope to encourage others to get active and join me.”

Chloe said she “couldn’t be more proud” of Tobias.

“This challenge is tough both mentally and physically but he takes it all in his stride,” she said.

“Like with everything else in his life, he throws himself in at the deep end and smashes anything he puts his mind too.

“Myself, my family and friends have done numerous activities for the charity to help raise awareness and much-needed funds in the hope that one day we can find a cure for this horrendous disease. All of our work is in honour of my uncle Phil but we are wanting to support thousands of others who are currently battling on.”