A RUNNER is attempting to put his endurance to the test in a 24-hour long run on his man made hamster wheel.

Dean Ovel, 39, of Avenue Road, Southend, has set himself the ultimate challenge to run for 24 hours on a giant hamster wheel.

He is taking on the challenge for raise money for the Dementia Appeal at Southend Hospital.

Mr Ovel, a member of running group Leigh Striders, has built the wheel himself, with the process starting from a lego prototype built with his son Issac.

At midday on Saturday May 21 he will take on the 24-hour time test at the top of Southend High Street on a human-sized wheel wooden wheel.

On the day of the event there will also be are entertainment such as choirs and bands and other bikes set up so that people can cycle alongside if they like.

There will be a competition to guess how many miles he will run, with a selection of prizes for the closest. Plus there is going to be a Handsome Hamster competition for children to enter.

Fellow runner and friend Jo- Ann Hall said: “He is doing this to raise money for the Dementia Appeal that has just been launched at Southend Hospital, a cause close to his heart as his nan is suffering from dementia.

“He will be having a couple of breaks but he hopes to eat whilst on the wheel. He won’t be going home to bed!”

To sponsor Dean visit www.justgiving.com/human-hamster