Local resident Chris Protheroe is to undertake a 100-mile ‘ultra-marathon’ over the two highest mountains in Scotland to raise money for the mental health charity Mind.
On October 30-31, the Tunbridge Wells personal trainer will celebrate his 34th birthday while running up Ben Nevis (4,412ft) and Ben Macdui (4,294ft).
Chris, from High Brooms, is dedicating the endurance challenge to those who suffer from depression, a condition from which his mother Terry has suffered severely.
He aims to complete the run solo in less than 24 hours; and 13 of those hours will be spent running in total darkness – since there will be a new moon that night.
“Despite the pain I put myself through, I enter this challenge willingly,” Chris said. “No amount of pain could compare to the suffering of depression.
“Many are fighting this disease like my mum did for many years, without adequate help or support, and often in silence because of the stigma that our society still has about depression. We still have a long way to go.”
Chris will warm up for the attempt by taking part in the Cumbria Way Ultra next month – a 73-mile run along the entire length of the Lake District.
The fitness fanatic has run more than 1,500 miles over the last six months.
Two weekends ago he completed back-to-back five-hour runs up Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons, the highest mountain in South Wales (2,907ft), which has a 33 per cent incline on approaching the summit. It is a training area for special forces personnel.
If you would like to make a donation, please visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/chrisprotheroe
For more information about Mind, visit www.mind.org.uk
