Whitehaven’s Michael Watson has started a new challenge that will have him complete 500 fell walks in a year.

Michael usually joins his friend, marathon man Gary McKee on his runs but decided this year to try out his own trial.

Michael said: “Last year, Gary did his 110 marathons in 110 days. I ran 46 of them and was planning on running some this year as well but injuries have prevented me from doing so. Of course, he’s on his way to doing 365 this year and I just felt that my body was going to fail me, so I decided that I’ll try something else instead.

“I try and get out to the fells at least once a fortnight and when I was out walking I came up with the idea of completing all 214 of them in a full year for the two cancer charities. I then felt that that wasn’t enough so thought ‘maybe I can do them all a second time’. 428 walks did feel like more of a challenge but I thought Gary wouldn’t appreciate me walking such a random number so I decided to round it up to 500.

Discussing why they are running for cancer charities, Michael continued: “Everyone is affected by cancer in varying degrees and I’m perhaps on the luckier side in that I haven’t had any of my loved ones becoming infected with the horrible disease.

“The charities were both chosen by Gary and he has spent the last four or five years walking and running in aid of them. When I’ve been out with him I have got to meet people who have lost loved ones and hearing their stories gives me the motivation to carry on.”

Speaking about his progress, Michael said: “I’ve already completed 67 fells already this month! I work during the daytime, but I managed to have some of my holidays from last year moved over to this year and I have used a couple of them to get out.

“I’ve got a target in mind over when I want to complete the challenge but I’m keeping it to myself!”

To donate, find 'Gary McKee's Three Six Five Challenge' on JustGiving.