THE efforts of dad-of-two Steven Johnson should be applauded.

Almost a year ago he set himself a 365-day challenge to run five miles every day with his pet whippet to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Since then, the Whalley self-employed consultant has become a familiar sight, clocking up the miles alongside faithful Betty.

In all, by the time he completes the unusual challenge on August 31, the pair will have clocked up 1,865 miles each.

Mr Johnson was inspired to take up the daily runs by his friend’s daughter, Amelia Dickinson, 13, who has Cystic Fibrosis.

He said he wanted to make the challenge a daily thing because Amelia does not have any choice with her daily routine of very uncomfortable physical manipulation.

What is particularly heartening is all the support he has received - not just from friends and family, but total strangers who have donated money while he has been out running An informal running club has also formed, with 30 or 40 people joining Steven on a weekly basis and calling themselves Running For CF.

His original target was £1,000, but now he hopes to raise £10,000. Well done Steven!