A CREWE firefighter is nearing the end of a series of endurance challenges to raise funds for two worthy causes.

Richard Douglas, who is the crew manager of Crewe Fire Station's Blue Watch, is aiming to complete seven challenges in a bid to raise at least £1,000 to be shared between the Tiny Changes mental health charity and Hope House children's hospice.

Richard has completed five of them and as he prepares for the final two, he is appealing for people to make a donation via his JustGiving page.

His next challenges will be a 34-mile Sandstone Trail Ultra Marathon a week on Saturday (August 28) before he rounds off his challenge by going in the MBNA Chester Marathon on October 3.

Richard, from Nantwich, said: "I am determined to complete them both and raise at least £1,000 for Tiny Changes and Hope House."

Tiny Changes is a mental health charity that was set up by the family of Scott Hutchison, the lead singer of Scottish band Frightened Rabbit, after he took his own life aged 36 in 2018.

Hope House children's hospice in Oswestry supports terminally ill children and young people from across Cheshire, Shropshire and mid and north Wales. It also has a sister site in Wales.

"Hope House cares for babies, children, young people and young adults who have life-threatening conditions and are not expected to live beyond the age of 25," added Richard.

"It also offers counselling and bereavement support to any family living in the area who has suffered the death of a child in any circumstance. The hospice gave an exceptional level of care to the daughter of a friend of mine.

"Tiny Changes focuses on children and young people, in the firm belief that it is the right of every child to have good mental health.

"I would love nothing more than to raise a substantial amount of money for both charities."

Richard has already completed:

• The Mow Cop Killer Mile
• A 5k trail in Hanchurch Woods
• A 10k trail at Helsby Hill
• A crosscountry half marathon over the Shropshire Hills
• The Cholmondeley Castle Marathon