A 59-year-old man is nearing the end of his 12-month running challenge to raise money for charity.

Eddie Birchall from Farnworth started the challenge in January 2023 to run eight miles every day for 12 months, raising money for Bolton Hospice along the way.

Eddie, who is nearing 60, says the challenge has been difficult at times but he has managed to raise more than £2,000 for the hospice, with his last run on Sunday.

He said: “I used to run a youth club for 30 years and we used to do something for charity every year, so now I do it on my own.

“I saw something similar on Facebook and I thought I could do something like that.

“It’s been tough, but I have enjoyed it, it’s gone so fast but now I’m on the last few days.”

Eddie had been doing the challenge for six months before he decided to do it for the Bolton charity.

The Bolton News: Eddie Birchall

During the week on Thursdays, Eddie runs with the Transforming Lives Group, who are currently training for a marathon.

He said: "I go to work and come home and go straight out otherwise I’ll put my feet up.

“The Transforming Lives group have been doing a 10k every week so sometimes I go with them.

“A lot of people ask how I do this.”

The fit 59-year-old only drinks coffee in the morning and does not eat until 7pm.

He said: “Even I don’t know how I do it, but I just do it this way.

“People will say I am not right for it, and I am turning 60 soon.

“I was going to carry on till the end of January, but I have now decided I will stop after this.

“I have always done things like this, and I know I can do it, as I feel I could carry on.”

Eddie says he loves doing things for charity and will be looking for a new challenge to undertake after the new year.

Anyone who wishes to donate money can use the Go Fund Me page.

Eddie said: “A lot of people have been stopping me on runs and giving me money.

“I just want to thank everyone who has supported me.

“I will finish along Barton Road in Farnworth and we will have a little party to finish.”