LOUIS Critchlow decided that instead of giving up chocolate or crisps for Lent he’d set himself a daunting sporting challenge.
The 30-year-old sportsman from Westhoughton decided to run seven kilometres each day for the 46 days leading up to Easter Sunday.
That is a staggering total of more than 300km, or the equivalent of around seven full marathons.
The former sports coach is taking on the challenge for the charity Sport in Mind, which helps people experiencing mental health problems through the power of sport.
The Bolton RUFC player has already exceeded his initial £1,000 fundraising target, with £1,859 donated through his JustGiving page.
During his time as the owner of a sports coaching company he coached thousands of local children. This is the first challenge of its kind that he has taken on.
He said: “Sport has always been a major part of my life where I have competed in swimming galas to county level rugby to triathlons.
“I’ve made a vast array of friends through sport and have experienced many moments of happiness from it.
“I was able to see the great joy children got through sport and how it brought together classes as a team.
“By pushing myself and completing this challenge I hope to raise some money for the charity and inspire the younger generation to get involved in sport as there are endless opportunities to be made as well as life-long friendships.
To donate to Louis’ Lent sporting challenge, visit his page on JustGiving. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louis-critchlow5