MARTYN POLLITT is facing an Everest challenge with a difference . . . he'll be running!

He will be among 100 competitors from across the world, battling the elements and altitude sickness, to take part in the Everest Marathon, on November 21.

The runners will have to contend with temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees while they tackle the rugged, partly ice and snow covered course, which starts in the foothills of Mount Everest and finishes at the Sherpa village of Namche.

And before he tackles the 26 mile run, he has to trek for 16 days to reach the starting line.

Mr Pollitt, aged 45, of Bromley Cross, is a finance and administration manager at the TNT Fashion Group in Accrington.

He is also a member of the Bolton-based running club, Burnden Road Runners, and will be raising money for the Everest Marathon Fund, which supports charities in Nepal, one of the poorest countries in the world.

TNT's nominated charity, Wooden Spoon, which helps deliver a better quality of life for tens of thousands of disabled and disadvantaged children and young people in the UK, will also receive cash.

Mr Pollitt, who has completed several London Marathons, said: "It's a great personal challenge and an opportunity to raise money for some very deserving causes.

"It's unlike most other marathons because of the conditions, terrain and lack of oxygen.

"The big challenge is to stay well and reach the starting line in a fit enough condition to run.

"I generally run between 30 to 40 miles a week and I try to do as much off-road running as possible.

"I'm not thinking about finishing times, I just want to get to the starting line and complete the race."

Mr Pollitt, who is funding the trip himself and hopes to raise more than £2,000, said: "Some people are quite surprised when I tell them what I'm going to do, but my 18-year-old daughter Rachel, and most of my colleagues are used to me going off places running - but it's definitely not the sort of thing you do every weekend."

lTo sponsor Martyn contact him at martyn.pollitt@tnt.co.uk or donate online at www.justgiving.com/martynpollitt