A NURSING home worker is taking on the challenge of a lifetime, running five marathons in five consecutive days.

John Rawcliffe, 46, from Colne has taken on the feat to raise ‘much needed’ funds for Belgarth Nursing Home in Barrowford, where he works as an activities co-ordinator.

The father-of-two is due to set off along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal on Sunday May 5, running 13 miles from bridge 145 at Barrowford to bridge 119A at Hapton then back again.

The following day he will run 13 miles from Barrowford to Ray Bridge, Gargrave, and back, alternating the routes each day until the end of the challenge.

Mr Rawcliffe, who is also a gym instructor with Pendle Leisure Trust, is hoping to raise £500 to pay for residents in the home, who are elderly or have dementia, to be able to take part in fitness and leisure activities.

He said: “I have been working at the care home for a month and have realised that the residents would really benefit from more money to let them pursue activities that interest them individually.

“I’ve already raised £200 but would like to raise £500 in total.I’m looking forward to the challenge, I’m just hoping that the weather holds out for it and that I don’t suffer any injuries.

“I think day three will be the day I might start to ache a bit and that’s when it will probably be the hardest time to motivate myself.”

Angela Cheyte, manager at Belgarth Nursing Home, said: “We are so grateful to John for doing this for us and wish him the best of luck. It is much needed and will make a huge difference to the lives of residents at the home. The care they need is not just food and somewhere to sleep. They need things that enrich their lives to suit their individual needs.

“A game of bingo wouldn’t be sufficient for the residents that we have, many of whom have problems with dementia.

“We are hoping to spend the money on things like gardening supplies and setting up a shop for them, as well as providing a minibus for outings.”