PARKEND runner Dan Phillips is preparing himself for a mighty challenge – to run two marathons in a month.

The 23-year-old is trying to raise at least £1,750 for the mental health charity MIND, which provides advice and support to those suffering with a mental health problem and raise awareness of the issue.

Dan said: “The charity means a lot to me and my family for a few reasons, me personally as throughout my youth I suffered with very bad anxiety, such as panic attacks, Obsessive Compulsory Disorder (OCD) and low self-esteem which held me back and affected my schooling.

“I have now overcome these issues so I just want to raise awareness and money for this great charity which I have set a target of £1,750.”

Since September Dan has been training at least four to five times a week.

He said: “Training has been intense. I try to keep fit as much as possible and usually sign up to something to keep me motivated.

“Last year I ran four half marathons in five weeks and raised around £600 for Alzheimer’s Society.

“I’m running the Paris and London marathons which are within three weeks of each other in April. I am also running the Berlin marathon and Great North Run later on in the year but have not decided on which charity to raise money for.”

Fancy sponsoring Dan? Visit www.justgiving. com/DanPhillips9