A battling IT project manager is taking on an astonishing 14 challenges in just seven months in aid of a good cause.

Chris Gatrell, 32, from Ellesmere Port, who took part in the ‘World’s Toughest Mudder’ in Vegas last November and is planning to do so again this year, has lined up everything from a mere 12-mile mud run and a series of marathons to two 24-hour races and the Vegas challenge between April and November.

Fundraising for Cystic Fibrosis as his friend’s daughter Théadora has this condition, he completed the arduous ‘Rat Race The Wall Ultramarathon’ last Saturday (June 20) in the latest of his feats, racing the 69 miles over Hadrian’s Wall from Carlisle Castle to Baltic Quay in Newcastle on Tyne.

The run was his ninth challenge of the 14 he is endeavouring to complete throughout this year.

These have already included marathons in Manchester, London, the Lake District, Edinburgh and Liverpool.

He also has a 20-mile mud run with 200 obstacles under his belt.

After a breather over the summer, Chris has lined up events including the Great North Run and the Chester Marathon before heading for Vegas to round off his season.

The Toughest Mudder will involve gruelling obstacles, ice baths, electric shocks and also a freezing sandstorm if last year’s weather is repeated.

Of last year’s race, Chris said: “The start literally made the hairs on my arm stand on end.”

Back home after his ultra marathon across the country, Chris said: “I held a cake sale in work and raised over £450 alone for that. My running total is almost over £2,000 already.”

If you would like to support Chris you can donate here.