A WEDDING singer is attempting to run the length of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to raise money for his 'good friend', who lost his life to Motor Neurone Disease.

Fergus Brown, 62, a business advisor from Clitheroe, was diagnosed with the disease in December last year and passed away last month (October).

Wayne Farrow, 41, from Burnley, knew Mr Brown for more than seven years after they met at one of Mr Brown's business lectures when he wanted advice on taking singing to a professional level.

The challenge involves the singer running roughly nine miles a day over the course of November, which will total 253 miles, roughly the length of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Mr Farrow, who has sung professionally for over 16 years, is now a third of the way through and said Mr Brown was one of the good guys in life.

He said: "I was advised to do the whole run on a treadmill at my local gym, but I wanted to do it outside.

"I knew the experience would be more enjoyable outside in all weathers, rather than be stuck inside looking at numbers on a machine.

"It's been a real mix of experiences. The weather has not been in my favour recently, but I've had to keep going and push myself to finish it each day.

"The hardest part is definitely making myself go out to run.  "You can get caught in rain and it can often help you as it cools you down, but going out there while it's raining can be tricky."

Motor Neurone Disease is currently incurable and the condition progressively damages parts of the nervous system, which leads to muscle weakness and visible wasting.

Mr Farrow said: "Fergus was a good friend of mine and was always available for a chat when you needed him.

"He gave me so much advice about my career and really helped me get to where I am now.

"He was full of life. He was a happy, charismatic man and was seen as 'one of the boys'.

"I'd like to thank all the support I've had off everyone and all the fantastic donations I've received."

So far the challenge has raised almost £800 in a matter of weeks.

Mr Farrow is inviting anyone who wishes to run with him on a mini 3-mile run to meet at Towneley Hall on Sunday (November 15) at noon.

A donation of £1 is required to take part and all proceeds will go towards the 'Running For Fergus' fund raising page.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/runningforfergus.