A Wirral endurance athlete has completed his most gruelling challenge yet, raising over £2000 for charity in the process.

John Hammond completed the Montane Spine Race - regarded as Britain's most brutal race - after six days and 22 hours, starting on January 11.

The notorious event stretches 268 miles covering the full length of the Pennine Way, starting in the Peak District and finishing in Scotland.

Attracting runners from all over the world, competitors have seven days to navigate the treacherous route and with over 50,000 feet of ascent and 16 hours of darkness a day in the most obscene weather conditions it definitely lives up to its reputation.

Speaking about his experience, 43-year-old John said: "There were so many tough times during the race but somehow I managed to keep going. Early on I was suffering with trench foot and many blisters due to the conditions but I knew stopping was never an option.

"I pride myself on being very strong minded when in situations like this and I somehow managed to keep pushing on. Sleep deprivation was the one factor that nearly did put an end to it all. I once fell asleep as I was moving along and I found myself waist deep in a reservoir.

"Other times I just had to set up my sleeping bag under a tree and grab a quick hour regardless of the weather. I managed in total just eight hours sleep in the 6 days and 22 hours that it took me to complete the race. Again it was definitely down to mind over matter and not letting anything beat me."

By participating, John who is originally from Woodchurch, was raising money for The Chloe Bigmore Trust. The charity is named after the daughter of John's friends Lesley and Paul, who tragically lost their daughter to an extremely rare cancer when she was just 14. So far, his efforts have raised approximately £2,100 for the organisation that helps other who are suffering with cancer.

John added: "I have no idea how I got through it but without a shadow of a doubt it was the toughest week of my life. I’ve done a few big races but this one 100% tops them all.

"We had constant mud, wind, rain, snow even a full on storm, absolutely everything."

You can still contribute to John's fund-raising efforts here: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Hammo7