A MAN will take on a marathon challenge in the most mountainous region of the country to raise charity cash. The Lake District in Cumbria may be the home of Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, but this has not deterred Peter Shelley from enteri

A MAN will take on a marathon challenge in the most mountainous region of the country to raise charity cash.

The Lake District in Cumbria may be the home of Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, but this has not deterred Peter Shelley from entering the Great Langdale Marathon.

The brave 37-year-old said: "I think the general consensus is that I'm a bit crazy to be taking this on, considering I've never run a marathon distance before. But this is something I've always wanted to do before I hit 40."

Mr Shelley, from South Road in Saffron Walden, will be raising money for British Humanitarian Aid (BHA). The charity helps people in the Chernihiv Region of the Ukraine where the collapse of the Soviet Union and the disaster at Chernobyl has led to impoverishment and sickness.

"I was inspired by our friends, George and Marion Mills, who have supported this charity for more than 20 years," said Mr Shelley. "They run a drop-in centre every Sunday afternoon in the United Reformed Church, Abbey Lane, Saffron Walden, to raise money for the cause."

The 19th Great Langdale Marathon will take place on Sunday and the 26.2 mile route will take the runners through some of the most beautiful scenery in the area.

Mr Shelley, who works for insurance company Tenant Deposit in Saffron Walden, is hoping to complete the course in four-and-a-half hours.

"I've spent about six months training for the event and building up the distance I run - the furthest I've been so far is 18 miles," said Mr Shelley.

"Not many people are even aware that they hold a marathon in the Lake District. It's only a small event with about 200 competitors, but there is a great atmosphere."

A keen walker, Mr Shelley visited the Lake District four years ago and the dream of running in the event has never left him.

For more information about the event visit the website www.greatlangdaleraces.org.uk or if you would like to sponsor Mr Shelley and support BHA call him on 07806 544772.