A GARDEN centre boss is taking up two physical challenges to raise cash for charity.
Will Armitage, 30, of Armitage's Pennine Garden Centre at Shelley, is preparing to trek 35 miles and run a half-marathon to raise money for the NSPCC.
Mr Armitage, of Holmfirth - seen with maps for his journeys - is teaming up with two garden centre colleagues, Nick Thornes and Jim Strachan, to take part in the sponsored Hike Against Cruelty to Kids (Hack) on June 25.
The trio are aiming to walk the 35 miles across the southern boundary of the North York Moors in only 12 hours.
Mr Armitage and Mr Strachan will then put on their running shoes for the Great North Run on September 18 to raise more cash for the children's charity.
Mr Armitage said: "I have never done anything like this before, but I am doing it to lose weight, get fit and raise money for the NSPCC."
He said that since he started his fitness training in March he has lost almost two stone and been running about five miles at a time.
He added: "I am confident I will do it because I know I have to. There is just no alternative. I try not to think about it too much because it is quite daunting."
The team hopes to raise more than £1,000. Anybody interested in sponsoring them is asked to contact Armitage's Pennine Garden Centre on 01484 607248.
