ALAN Boothroyd is preparing for the challenge of a lifetime.

He’s set to run almost two marathons a day for 20 days.

The 51-year-old of Lascelles Hall was meant to take on the challenge over a year ago but was struck down by an injury.

But he’s back in training for the event next March in aid of the Keep It Up campaign, Huddersfield Town’s fundraiser for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) and the club academy.

He will run from Land’s End to John O’Groats on March 29 next year and cover around 50 miles a day.

Alan, a mechanical engineer at Weir Valves in Elland, said: “I was ready to do it last year but got injured on a bike ride so couldn’t.

“I’m a big Town fan so decided to do it for the club’s charity.

“I’m a season ticket supporter and get involved with their events. Instead of walking to Barnsley recently I ran instead.

“People can’t believe I’m doing it but I do a lot of running, have done since I was about 20.

“I’m building up my training now, not just running but doing pilates and swimming, trying to get fitter and ready for it.”

Alan will have a support team behind him, but he faces a run of almost 50 miles a day for the 940-mile run. Some days he will do more, others less to break-up the journey.

In 2009 Alan ran coast to coast from Blackpool to Bridlington, also for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

He also took part in Town’s bike ride to Brighton.

He wants to support the air ambulance after seeing how it saved the life of family friend Callum Parkinson, who was knocked down in Fenay Bridge in 2009.

Alan set his heart on doing the run only for injury to delay it.

He hopes his marathon effort will raise tens of thousands for the YAA, which needs to raise around £7,200 to keep both of their helicopters in the air and they rely on the support of the Yorkshire public to do that.