A SOUTH Essex man will take on four major challenges in 90 days to raise more than £2,000 for a children’s charity.

Ian Murray, 39, has signed up for two marathons, a half marathon, and a 100km endurance challenge in aid of the Sick Children's Trust.

He was inspired to raise cash for the charity after seeing how it helped his close friends, Matt and Catherine Sykes, after their eight-month-old son Joshua became seriously ill.

He required specialist long term treatment at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital, two hours from home.

The Sick Children's Trust supported the couple, providing accommodation just two minutes from the hospital.

Mr Murray, from Billericay, said: "I remember speaking to my wife one evening and her mentioning that Matt and Catherine managed to get accommodation near to Great Ormond Street through The Sick Children’s Trust charity and I thought to myself what an amazing thing that is - something which enables them to be close to Joshua.

“It’s an awful and stressful situation having a sick child without having the difficulties of logistics to contend with, something I believe can be so devastating to the mental wellbeing of the child and parent.

“The emotional support the Sick Children’s Trust offers is so valuable to the families staying at the homes from home, but also so valuable to the child to have their mum and dad with them during that time.”

This is the second year Mr Murrary and friend Dave Mansfield, from Ashford, Kent, have taken on tough challenges to raise money for charity.

Last year, the duo ran the Essex and Halstead Marathon and attempted the 110km Ultimate Trials Lake District Race.

Their biggest test this year will be the London 2 Brighton Challenge.

Mr Murray added: “Dave and I have previously fundraised for a local children’s hospice, but this year we wanted to fundraise for a smaller charity which sometimes gets overlooked in favour of some of the bigger names.

“Not only that, we’ve seen the benefits the Sick Children’s Trust’s had on our friends and it makes a significant difference in helping the emotional well-being of families as well as supporting them practically.”

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/team-netconsult