A firefighter from Halstead is set to tackle a 100 kilometre run in support of his friend’s son.

Dean Woodburn, 42, of Coggeshall Way, Halstead, is preparing to take on the daunting Stour Valley Path 100k Ultra Run later this year.

Dean has pledged to complete the challenge for three-year-old Stanley Newman.

The youngster, of Clacton, has the rare muscle-wasting disease congenital muscular dystrophy which is gradually weakening him.

Dean has been a retained firefighter in Halstead for 18 years, and enjoyed it so much he took a full time position as a member of red watch at Clacton fire station with Stanley’s dad, Rob.

He had previously also worked with Rob at Leisure World in Colchester.

Dean said: “I aim to raise as much money as I can.

“Stanley needs a specially adapted wheelchair and adaptations to their house.

“I wanted to do something a bit different so I signed up to do the 100km run, which is a bit mad.”

The cross-country route is a continuous 100km footpath which follows the River Stour, starting in Newmarket and finishing near Manningtree and has to be finished within 15 hours.

The 62-mile distance is the equivalent to about two-and-a-half marathons back-to-back.

“I should be able to do it,” he said.

“I’ve been trying to do one long run a week and I am up to 35km now.

“I aim to run up to 60km by the event and then hope the adrenaline will get me through the last 40km.

“It is going to be hard, but I am determined to finish it and knowing I am raising money for such a good cause will help too.”

He has so far raised £1,400 which he is really pleased with, but hopes to raise as much as possible.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/Stanleys-Heroes