A RUNNER from Horwich helped to raise thousands of pounds for his church after clocking up 80 miles in just 24 hours.

Ed Swift lived up to his name when he pounded the streets from York Minster to Holy Trinity Parish Church at the weekend to raise money for the church bell restoration fund.

The 57-year-old battled through the pain barrier to complete the run at the Church Street church last Sunday in time for the Sunday morning service.

The father-of-four ran in a team of six people who all took it turns to run sections running through the night.

He had communion at York Minister before he put on his trainers and began his epic journey.

He hopes the event has raised £5,000 towards the church bell restoration fund target of £40,000. The town's only full pealing bells are in desperate need of repair. At 173 years old, they have rung across Horwich since 1831.

Mr Swift, of Duncan Street, said: "It was a really tough run, both physically and mentally. I managed to run the first 50 miles but after that I had to run and walk parts of the course. When I got to the last part I had to walk. I was just so tired.

"I felt really good at the start, but there were times when I thought, why am I doing this? But it was a case of mind over matter. I would always think that the run would get better for me. All I wanted to do by the end was just go to bed."

Mr Swift has been a member of Holy Trinity since he moved to Horwich 20 years ago with his wife Anne.

The keen runner and member of Horwich RMI Harriers was determined to do his bit for the church.

Mr Swift, who has taken part in more than 45 marathons since he began running nearly 30 years ago, spent 11 weeks training for the event.