A man is to face a 26-mile hike on April Fool's Day - in aid of raising funds for a charity.

It is not a joke that on April 1, Steve Blair will be joining other participants in the Allendale Challenge.

The Allendale Challenge is known as one of the toughest walks around especially for fell runners.

This year the 26-mile event is celebrating its 32nd anniversary and expecting a lot of participants.

However, Steve is not doing it for fun but for a serious issue - to fund money for defibrillators.

"It is a serious issue as there has been a lot of incidents where it was needed and I think we really need one at the brewery bar and other tourist attractions nearby," Steve said.

"I think it just needs awareness of how much it is needed, so I have put a target of £1,500 which would buy one defibrillator but I would like to try and get three."

This will be Steve's second time participating in the challenge, but this year’s event is his 'official entry'.

Steve said: "This is my second time but the first official entry as the first one was when it was cancelled during Covid.

"Although that year's Allendale Challenge event was cancelled due to coronavirus, I was determined to fulfil my fund-raising goal.

"I was joined by his son and a fire fighter while dressed in a full fire fighters’ suit and 45kg tank.

"All together I raised more than £1,200 for the Fire Fighters Charity after completing the challenge just over 12 hours.

"This year I want to beat that time and I think it would count more since this will be my 'official' entry for the challenge.

"I will also wear a full suit once again."

Reflecting on the challenge, he said: "It is probably one of the hardest challenges that I will do and that is saying a lot as I often go running and take on big events.

"They are normally on a straight path and ground - not over hills.

"Training is going well and I am looking forward to the challenge."

If you would like to donate www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/steven-blair?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Yimbyprojectpage&utm_content=steven-blair&utm_campaign=projectpage-share-owner&utm_term=xanzaex44&fbclid=IwAR21cyhyv3JKxMJoFi14cO-iKtjZuTdusUWSNH6OnzuQ9q9bD71c76tYZZ4