AN Army veteran from Liverpool is set to run 60 miles in a day to raise money for his local children's hospice - and he even plans to be home in time for his tea!
Stephen Nicholls, 37, will run from his home in Liverpool to the top of Pendle Hill and back to raise money for Derian House Children's Hospice.
He will wave goodbye to his wife, Stephanie, and four-year-old daughter, Stevie, on Tuesday, 16 August and will sprint over 60 miles "as fast as he can".
Stephen is no stranger to pushing himself to his limits, having served over seven years in the armed forces including on front line operations across Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan.
After leaving his military career behind, Stephen began tackling long-distance challenges to test his fitness and improve his mental health.
With his latest endurance run, he hopes to raise as much money as possible for the children and families that Derian House cares for.
Stephen, who now works as a team leader at Chorley-based engineering firm NIS, said: "Since my daughter was born all I've wanted is to save the world - as much as I can.
"After leaving the military I suffered badly with my mental health. I lost touch with my family, pushed everyone away. But with the support of my wife, I've become stronger and stronger. I've become me again.
"I've been mentally and physically challenged in my life, but one of my biggest tests was becoming a dad, being a supportive husband, and working on the battle in my own mind - reminding myself that I need to here for my family.
"I want to help Derian House carry on doing all the good that they do for their families, because you never know when you're going to need them.
"When my daughter was a baby we had to take her for visits to see a specialist at a children's hospital - it makes you realise how fragile life is. We were mentally beaten up by it, but we knew that if we had given up, it would have felt like we had given up on her.
"If I can keep going all the way to Pendle Hill and back, I hope I can encourage others to never give up when times are tough.
"I am going to get the run done in 24 hours - I'm hoping to be back for my tea to be honest. I've got a dog to walk and a wife and daughter to get back for.
"It's not going to be easy - I had a lot of injuries in my last challenge it can get very painful. But you know, I just keep on going. You've got to give others than glimmer of hope - that things may get difficult but if you keep on going you might be able to give back something positive.
"If this challenge can raise money to help support the children at Derian House - that's amazing. I'm doing it for them."
Ann-Marie Fishwick, Community Fundraiser at Derian House, said: "We're incredibly grateful to Stephen for supporting Derian - he is incredibly brave to run so far in such a short time!
"Stephen is inspirational. He has overcome so much yet continues to push himself to his limits to help others and show the world that you can stay positive even in the most difficult of times.
"We couldn't do what we do without the dedication of our supporters, like Stephen, who put in their all to raise money for our 450 children and their families."
Donate: https://gofund.me/244cbe69
You can follow Stephen on his journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_veterans_opinion/
Derian House Children's Hospice is based in Chorley, Lancashire, and looks after babies, children and young adults with life-limiting conditions, offering families a chance to make the very most of the time they have. Find out more about Derian House: https://www.derianhouse.co.uk