A FUNDRAISING fitness-instructor is set to tackle a mammoth challenge to help send a young boy battling cancer to America for treatment.

Mickii Edwards, who runs a fitness academy in Oswaldtwistle, is going to run 100 miles on Saturday, June 24, to raise money for Charlie Procter.

The three-year-old from Church has a rare form of liver cancer and his parents are trying to raise more than £315,000 to send him to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for treatment.

Mr Edwards previously ran 76 miles for charity in December and delivered 66 parcels to 66 children from disadvantaged families.

The 42-year-old said: “It nearly killed me last time, it was the after effect.

“But I managed to do it, it’s only a bit further this time but this is going to be my last long run.

“It should be a great event for a great cause.

“I had a bit of a tough upbringing myself and now I just want to help people in need.

“It’s how I get my buzz, seeing the smile on these people’s faces.”

He plans to start the run at Mickii Edwards Weight Loss Academy in Union Road.

He is getting in contact with Hyndburn Council and police for help planning the route.

The former rugby league player is also encouraging people to get involved and join him and run the last part of his journey.

He said: “We’re looking for people to join in for the last part, whether it be five miles or 10 miles.

“If we could just get 200 or 300 people who could raise £100 each, it would be a great support.

“Charlie is fantastic, he’s just an inspirational little boy.

“He’s got his own great little personality, everything he’s gone through, he’s like a man.

“He deserves every little bit of help he can get and we want to do whatever we can for him.”

To donate visit www.gofundme.com/mkwze3tg.