A SPECIAL constable from Merseyside Police is preparing for a grueling challenge to raise money for two charities. 

Michael Banner, 26, from New Ferry, will run a marathon and cycle more than 800 miles. 

A software developer by day and a Special Constable in his spare time, Michael is running the Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon on Sunday May 29.

He will then cycle and run across the volcanic and isolated island of Iceland in June.

Michael said: "After taking a year off from fundraising, I was keen to get back on my bike and worked closely with Colin to plan this year's attempt.

"The challenge is designed to shake things up a little bit by having the uncertainty of the terrain, unpredictable weather all mixed in with a short time to accomplish the task.

"Additionally, having the team members all ride for different charities brings a whole new dynamic - we're working together as one coherent team, but all on individual missions of our own!

"With days rather than months left until we go, I'm excited but equally nervous wreck. It's going to be tough, mentally challenging and physically demanding but the end result has the potential to helps hundreds of others."

Michael’s fiancée Kristi Tomkins has vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and at 22, is now unable to work.

Michael will run the marathon to raise funding for specialist treatment in London.

He will barely have time to recover from the race before jetting off to Iceland with three friends, electrician Keith James, 33; crane operator Steve Futcher, 61, and Neal McGovern, 33.

During the journey, Michael is raising money for Reverse Rett, a charity set up to fund the research into reversing a genetic neurological condition which primarily affects girls and slows development.

The four men will aim to accomplish an extraordinary feat of circumnavigating the entire country in less than 72 hours by pedal and foot power alone.

Michael will not be short of motivation, as he adds seeing how his fiancée's condition has affected her is making him more determined.

He added: "It's sad to see how much she has declined over the last 18 months from a fit young woman to someone who struggles to walk to the shops.

"I want to do everything I can to help her, so running a marathon seemed like a sensible idea!"

The riders depart on their journey on 6 June. You can donate to the various charities via the ‘JustGiving’ team page at https://www.justgiving.com/teams/icelandduathlon.

Michael’s separate page for raising funds for his fiancée’s treatment can be found at https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/kristi-tomkins.