A man will embark on a mammoth running challenge, raising funds to buy Christmas presents for families in need.

Longtown’s Joe Kirkup came up with the idea four years ago to donate presents to families who cannot afford them at Christmas.

“I’ve always been in a fortunate position, and I decided to put a status on Facebook to see if any families needed help.

“It took off really well."

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He said he operates it in such a way that ensures the anonymity of those reaching out, arranging neutral drop off points such as schools or friends’ houses, as there can be an undue feeling of shame associated with receiving the gifts that he doesn’t want to cause – he doesn’t even know who is receiving the gifts.

He’s always self funded it but this year he decided to make it a challenge.

“This year, I thought that because there are so many generous people out thre who can give £10, £20, £100, or even £300 or £400, I decided to organise a small event.

“I didn’t want to go too big because you need insurance and everything, but I thought I’d get as many people running as possible.

“If people want to donate, that’s great, and for anyone who wants to take part in one of the runs alongside me, I just ask for a £10 donation.”

Mr Kirkup has an active fundraiser on JustGiving from which he has raised £1340 at the time of reporting, exceeding his target of £1000.

The challenge will see him run 10 5k runs from November 22 to 24, effectively five kilometres every five hours

Times for the runs are Friday 8pm; Saturday 1am, 6am, 11am, 4pm, and 9pm; Sunday at 2am, 7am, 12pm and 5pm.

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He said all money will go directly towards buying presents only.

He concluded: “If everyone in this country looked after their neighbour and gave a little bit—whatever they could afford—it would all add up to something.

“I believe if you do good, you get good.”