SUPER-BARMAN John Gartland took a breather from his 740-mile marathon mission on Saturday to host a fundraising ball.

Since setting off on his 21-day trek around the UK’s Premier League football clubs last week, John has ticked off 13 targets – including Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton and Sunderland.

His journey has included a 43-mile battle through the Yorkshire Dales.

“It proved to be a lot harder than I anticipated, but mile by mile I put one foot in front of the other and got through it,” said John.

“My brother texted me that morning and said it’s better to die on your feet than live on your knees!”

The 30-year-old set himself the mammoth task – which has so far seen him run 340 miles – in a bid to raise £50,000 for Alder Hey Imagine Appeal and The Daisy Garland.

The two children’s charities offer ongoing support to his nephew William Reid, four, of Ashton Hayes, who suffers from a rare form of epilepsy.

On Saturday, John detoured back to Chester to host a fundraiser at The Queen Hotel, attended by more than 180 supporters – including William’s mum Toni Reid.

An after-dinner auction raised £2,500 for the two causes.

To keep track of John’s progress, check out his blog and interactive map at www.chesterchronicle.co.uk or sponsor him at www.runningmissdaisy.co.uk.