Trying to run for an hour would be avoided by many more but being part of a 24 hour running challenge would see very few people stepping forward to take on such a tough challenge.

However, seven members of AFC Portchester’s veterans side have stepped up to such a challenge and this weekend they will be completing a full day of running for charity.

Pete Sanderson, Keith Ashton, Keith Mcintyre, Simon Hore, Dan Mortimer, Mike Counsell and Phil Jeynes are making their final preparations ahead of the 24 hour running challenge, which gets under way this Saturday at 10am.

The challenge will be based just outside AFC Portchester’s The OnSite Group Stadium, and the route the runners will take will be next to the stadium on Wicor Recreation Ground.

The group decided to take on the challenge to raise money for the charity Friends Fighting Cancer (FFC) and they have set themselves a £5,000 fundraising target.

AFC Portchester is a long term supporter of FFC and the work the charity does in supporting those whose lives are affected by cancer.

The finals day for FFC’s annual football tournament is hosted by the club at The OnSite Group Stadium and this year it was held on May 1. Many of AFC Portchester’s veterans side take part in the event every year.

The scale of what the group are hoping to achieve with their day-long run is best described by the group’s own words on their JustGiving page for the event.

It says: “Given their advancing ages and lack of running experience across the team, this will be a massive challenge and we need your help to motivate the guys to achieve it.”

The group have already raised over £800 ahead of the event and any support you can give them will be much appreciated - whether it is cheering on the runners throughout the 24 hours or making a donation towards their fundraising target.

You can make a donation on the group’s JustGiving page by clicking here