A GROUP of friends have completed a 1,500-mile fundraising challenge.

Organised by Andy Green, the group aimed to run 1,500 miles in 28 days as part of a fundraiser for their friend Stephen Wilton, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The group’s last run finished outside of Stephen’s home in Dalton on Monday as they clocked up a total of 1,565 miles altogether.

Andy said: “Ste was happy to see us all when we finished it.

“It’s been hard but we have had that motivation to get through it.

“We have been going out for big runs together and have been helping each other out on the way.

“It has been a massive effort and I am just proud that everyone has come together and done it.”

26 people took part in the challenge.

Andy himself ran 118.6 miles during the four weeks but said it was all worth it.

He said: “Ste is so selfless, if we were in his position, we know he would do the same. He just cares about everyone apart from himself, that’s just the type of person he is.

“I don’t think he realised how much people like him. He has been blown away and we’re helping him get through it.”

The money raised will be handed to Stephen and his family this Friday.