A WIRRAL runner has hailed his latest challenge as "the toughest thing he has done in his life."

John Hammond, 39, joined a team running 78 miles from the Hillsborough stadium to Anfield in memory of the 96 victims of the disaster.

The team, who started the challenge on Saturday morning, completed it within 24 hours, arriving back to Liverpool at 8.30am on Monday.

John told the Globe: "It was very emotional, we read out the name of the 96 fans who died at Hillsborough and laid flowers at the memorial outside the Sheffield stadium.

"It was the first time I had been back to the stadium since that day in 1989, so straight away I knew it would be emotional."

The group of around 20 runners only allowed themselves ten minute breaks throughout the challenge.

John added: "Everyone stayed together and really supported each other which was brilliant.

"I didn't know any of the other runners before I took part in the challenge but they are all definitely friends for life."

The run was organised by Dom Williams, who also organises the annual "Run for the 96," a 5k race around Stanley Park in Liverpool, which the team took part in when they returned to Liverpool on Sunday.

The team met some of the Hillsborough families and former Liverpool FC manager Rafa Benitez.

John, who regularly run marathons, said: "It was a tough challenge made even harder by the weather.

"It rained from the minute we started up until about 5am.

"My feet are now covered in blisters."

The runners were raising money for two charities: LFC Foundation and Everton in the Community, both chosen by the families.

Each of the runners has their own separate fund raising page so the final total is yet to be announced.