Dan’s takes on BIG 12 – despite ‘worrying’ fitness levels.

Yorkshireman Dan Williams is starting the ‘biggest challenge of his life’ this weekend to raise money for two charities close to his heart.

Dan’s Big 12 Challenge will see him tackle 12 major runs this year to raise money for Clic Sargent and Barnsley Hospital’s Tiny Hearts Appeal – despite his ‘worrying’ fitness levels.

His challenge will start far from the comforts of his home county at the Watford Half Marathon, before he returns to complete his challenge with a homecoming finish-line-finale at the 2019 Asda Foundation Yorkshire Marathon on October 20^th

Speaking ahead of his 200-mile challenge, Dan said: “My current fitness levels are worrying. I've let December and its array of tantalising treats get the better of my waistline and running schedule.

“But now I'm back pounding the pavements - thank god - proving to myself and anyone who'll lend me an ear that running these kind of distances is an achievable challenge.

“It's going to take a good amount of dedication - and my will power is going to have to finally overcome my love of beer and Quavers - but it'll be worth it in the long run.”

Come the marathon finish line, Dan will have clocked up miles across the UK at marathons, half marathons and two 10Ks, including the Asda Foundation Leeds 10K.

Raising money for children and young people’s cancer charity Clic Sargent and the Tiny Hearts Appeal will provide Dan with plenty of motivation.

He praised Clic Sargent staff as ‘fantastic’ and added: “The Tiny Hearts appeal is a very special campaign launched by Barnsley Hospital Charity in September 2014 and aims to raise £1 million to help support the relocation and development of a brand new Neonatal Unit.

“The new unit aims to provide an even better standard of care for all the special care babies and the most comfortable environment for all families and staff on the unit. I have friends who speak very highly of the incredible work done by the staff at the hospital.”