THE director of an employment agency on Wilderspool Causeway is preparing to take on the challenge of a lifetime to raise much-needed funds for young people in Warrington.

Gareth Boyd, who has worked at Adele Carr Financial Recruitment for 10 years, will complete the 214-mile Race Across Scotland 2018 from Saturday, August 18 to 22.

The dad-of-one will take on the ultra marathon, which will follow the Southern Upland Way from Portpatrick to Cockburnspath, to raise money for Warrington Youth Club and Wigan Youth Zone, as part of Adele Carr's ongoing charity work.

Gareth, who is part of the GB Ultras community, said he is taking on the race firstly to raise money for the deserving charities, but also to challenge himself and meet new people.

"I've been running for around 10 years, but I became a little bored so around five or six years ago I started competing in Ultra Marathons, ranging from 33 to 200 mile races," said the 46-year-old from Frodsham.

"In 2016 I completed a 200-mile race across the Transpennine Trail from Southport to Hornsea, but this year, I'm competing in the 214-mile race across the Southern Upland Way. It is scenic but hilly, and parts of it are rural so I could be going around 30 miles at a time and not see anybody including other competitors. I'll also have to find places to sleep along the way.

"I have 100 hours to complete the race – it will be mentally challenging and I'll get little sleep but I can't wait to start. And I'm delighted to be fundraising for an awesome charity."

Gareth, who also completed the London to Paris ride in four days last year, will be setting off at 6am on Saturday in a bid a to finish the race, and beat as many of his competitors in the allocated time.

But he said one of the toughest parts will be carrying his own kit for the duration, including around 2000 calories worth of food, water purification tablets, a sleeping bag, mattress and torch, among other equipment and clothes.

Gareth will also be required to drink from rivers and springs available along the route in order to stay hydrated.

"I'm going to enjoy it but I know that it will take some mental strength," added Gareth.

"I have been doing a few little runs and a 22 mile run at the weekend to prepare. I've been also been practising carrying the kit."

To date, Gareth has raised more than £1,200 for Warrington Youth Club.

Donations can be made to Gareth's cause at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RunningtheGBUltra2018