Keen walkers are being urged to sign up for a marathon charity challenge involving a midnight march from St Ives.

The 26-mile fundraiser is being organised by Colin Rich of On A Mission Fitness, military-style training sessions for people who want to get in shape.

A former communication systems operator in the Royal Signals for more than 11 years, Mr Rich, who is now a postman, wants to raise as much as possible for Armed Forces charity Walking With The Wounded.

He said: “It’s a very small charity but it does some amazing work in helping troops who have been injured back into civilian life.

“This is just one of many events that On a Mission Fitness is doing to raise money for Walking for the Wounded.

“We recently did a challenge throughout January and I am also running the London marathon as part of their team.”

Walkers who enter for the marathon charity march will leave from St Ives at about midnight on Saturday, July 12 and will follow the guided busway.

“It will be a ‘force march’,” said 46-year-old Mr Rich. “Which is just like walking a bit faster than normal. Hopefully, everyone will be back between 8am and 10am on the Sunday morning.

“The emphasis is on completion. It’s not a race – it’s making sure that everyone that starts crosses the line.”

About 50 people have so far signed up to take part, said Mr Rich, who hopes for at least 100 taking part.

Open to anyone aged 16 and over, there is a medal and a goodie bag for all those who complete the course. Not to mention the fact that a full English breakfast will be available at the finish line. Taking part costs £15 and participants are asked to raise as much as they can by collecting sponsorship.

INFORMATION: For details, visit www.onamissionfitness.co.uk or send an email to contact@onamissionfitness.co.uk.