A RUNNER has set himself a unique fundraising challenge and is inviting people to run with him to raise money for three charities.

James Warren from Burnham-on-Sea is running at least five kilometres a day for the whole year to raise money for MIND, Cancer Research UK and SANDS, The Still Birth and Neo Natal Death Society, in tribute his niece, Bo Olive Fleur, who died in 2012.

James frequently takes part in the Burnham and Highbridge Park run and said he has noticed his mental state and physical fitness has improved since he started running.

He said: "I run whenever I have the chance, during the work day or at a weekend, at any location.

"I try to grab runs when I’m away. I’ve been doing some cross country running after my work day down in Cornwall, across the moors but most days I tend to stick to a local route often on the sea front in Burnham or along the beach.

"After I completed my third marathon in Berlin last autumn I decided I needed to set myself a different sort of challenge and in the run up to New Year so I decided to do this.

"It’s more of a mental than physical challenge because it’s about commitment, mindset and consistency. Whatever the weather, my lethargy, or physical health, I’m obliged to get out and do about twenty five minutes running a day."

James said he thinks more people in his local community would benefit from taking up running and he hopes his challenge will inspire people to exercise.

He said: "I want to encourage people to go out, no matter what their ages or abilities, and do between 15 and 30 mins a day exercise, even if it’s only a brisk walk.

"It would vastly improve the health of people in our local community.

"Pupils at local schools being encouraged to do the daily mile and schools being urged to use physical education to tackle the youth mental health crisis and I think it’s important to broaden the remit of this message.

"Exercise and diet has a very definite positive effect on our physical and mental wellbeing, and I’d like to see more people reaping the benefits."

James said he hopes the challenge, named 5K365, will help him raise money for three charities which are close to his heart and he is on the search for businesses to sponsor him.

He said: “The running is going well now and I’m looking at some corporate sponsorship and national coverage.

"You can find me on my Facebook page where I write a blog describing the ups and downs of my daily runs.

"I’ll be moving onto other platforms and if anyone would like to run with me, just once, or more regularly, for their own benefit or to help me raise awareness, they can contact me through the facebook page 5K365.”

For details or to get in touch with James search 5K365 on Facebook.