Charity runner aims at high-speed journey

The 30-year-old former investment banker was inspired to raise money after his mother Kathy, 63, was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.

Following months of treatment, she is now in remission and Ed is ready for his challenge.

"Watching mum fight breast cancer was hard, and it made me determined to do something to help find a cure for the disease," said Mr Shuttleworth, now a fitness manager at a gym.

"I wanted to do something that would be really challenging, and Wainwright's Walk is just that.

"As well as the distance, it's a total ascent of around 7,000 metres overall so it is going to be tough, but hopefully it will mean even more support and money for charity."

Mr Shuttleworth has chosen to raise funds for the small charity Against Breast Cancer.

His training includes daily half-marathons on a treadmill, as well as weekend runs in the Peak District – an area he got to know when he visited his brother Charlie when he studied medicine at Sheffield University.

During his challenge at the beginning of May, Mr Shuttleworth will start running at sunrise and aims to complete an average 50 miles per day.

His father Peter will meet him every two hours to provide food and drink and he has pre-ordered ice baths each night at hotels in the Lake District, Keld and Northallerton.

Mr Shuttleworth, who lives in London, said: "The tradition is that you pick up a pebble from the beach at the Irish Sea, and then throw it into the North Sea when you have finished, and I am just focusing on the day I get to throw that pebble." He added: "It would be great to have other runners join me for some or all of the run – especially ones who know the route.

"It's always motivating to run in a group, and it would mean we could raise even more money for Against Breast Cancer."

To sponsor him visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/EdShuttleworth. To get involved email [email protected]. Follow Ed on twitter @edshuttleworth.