A SOUTHAMPTON dad is going the extra mile in the hope to raise tens of thousands of pounds for children fighting cancer.

Andy McGhee, a GB Age-Group athlete, will take on 25 ultra-duathlons consecutively to raise funds for Children with Cancer UK.

An ultra-duathlon is a long-distance challenge consisting of running and cycling.

The Hedge End father-of-four will compete in 25 ultra-duathlons across 25 days meaning he will undertake a 15-mile run, a 112-mile cycle and another 15-mile run every day for 25 days straight.

He said: “Having four children myself, I can’t imagine what it must be like hearing the words that tell you your child has cancer.

“Children with Cancer UK do an incredible job helping kids and their families through what is probably the worst time of their lives while fighting to prevent cancer from affecting more children.

“That’s why I feel it’s such a worthy cause and that is what will be repeating in my mind as I undergo such a huge challenge.”

During the challenge, named Le Tour Du Ultra 25, Andy will cover a total of 3,573 miles and will break a Guinness World Record for the most ultra-duathlons completed consecutively.

He will set off on September 7 going from Hamble, through Marchwood and the New Forest and back again.

Andy, who served in the British Army for 14 years, added: “Serving in the Army teaches you resilience, not only physically but also mentally.

"But I am nervous for this challenge as it’ll be my biggest yet.

"I’m confident that I can make it to the finish line on October 1 and raise money that will make a huge difference in people’s lives."

In preparation for the challenge, Andy has been training for 12 to 20 hours every week and has been eating around 12,500 calories a day.

He hopes to raise a minimum of £20,000.

In 2015 Andy ran seven back-to-back barefoot marathons to raise money for Southampton’s High Dependency Unit, which helped save his son’s life.

Over the years, he has raised around £30,000 for several charities.

To support his cause you can donate here.

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