A Northwich boxing coach has completed a gruelling, near hundred mile running challenge in aid of a charity close to his heart.

Mark Bebbington, a Northwich Weaver Valley Rotarian, completed the 97 miles route of the Golden Ring canal route in under 24 hours, raising money for the rotary club's nominated charity of the year - Cheshire Young Carers.

For Mark, a coach at New Era Boxing, the epic run began in the early hours of Saturday, September 19 alongside at the Trent and Mersey Canal at The Old Broken Cross in Rudheath.

He finished back in Rudheath just before dawn broke on Sunday September 20, having covered sections of the Macclesfield, Peak Forest, Ashton, Rochdale and Bridgewater Canals in between.

He clocked up 97 miles in 23 hours and five minutes to smash his target time of 24 hours, successfully capping off his fundraising effort for the charity.

On completing his challenge, an exhausted Mark pronounced himself happy with his run and hailed the support of friends, family and Northwich Weaver Valley Rotarians.

He said: "I originally planned to run the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Race, which unfortunately was cancelled this year.

"However, I’m glad to have been able to run Cheshire’s Golden Ring instead to raise much needed funds for Cheshire Young Carers, and to be able to start and end the challenge in my home town was an extra motivation to keep going.

"I couldn’t have done it without all the help I received, especially from the support runners who joined me at various stages and pushed me on.

"I’m really grateful to all those businesses and members of the local community who sponsored me."

Although Mark had good weather for the event, his run was not without the odd moment of drama when he took a couple of tumbles during the night, as fatigue began to set in.

He explained: "It was tough mentally and physically and, by the time night fell, I’d already run the equivalent of two marathons back-to-back.

"My legs were pretty tired in those latter stages and there were several times when I stumbled.

"I did fall over twice but had the support team on hand quickly with the first aid kit."

Northwich Weaver Valley Rotary Club President, David Buxton said: "Every member of our Rotary Club is incredibly proud of Mark, we really don’t know how he did it.

"It’s not easy trying to fundraise in the middle of a pandemic but this awesome effort by Mark has got our fundraising for Cheshire Young Carers off to a flying start."

Sponsorship money for Mark’s run is still being collected but it’s estimated around £1,000 will have been raised.

Julie McHugh, Fundraiser and Finance Officer for Cheshire Young Carers, welcomed the news, saying: "We are so impressed and overwhelmed by the distance and timing that Mark achieved.

"Our sincere thanks go to Mark and to Northwich Weaver Valley Rotary Club for choosing us as their charity of the year."

Mark allowed himself two days off to recover from his run before returning to coaching at New Era Boxing and he’s already eyeing up the 135 mile Ring O’ Fire coastal ultra marathon around Anglesey as his next potential challenge.

Donations are still being accepted for Mark’s run and can be made by sending a Paypal payment to weavervalleyrotary@gmail.co.uk