Joe's 10 marathons in 10 days for friend's memory

Joe Wild will run 10 marathons in 10 locations over 10 days in memory of his friend Dan who took his own life in 2015

A man is taking on 10 marathons in 10 days across 10 towns and cities to remember a friend who took his own life 10 years ago.

Joe Wild aims to raise awareness and money for mental health and two suicide prevention charities in memory of his friend Dan McAllister.

The challenge will begin in Newcastle on 25 July and finish with a 10th marathon in the pair's home city of Sheffield on 3 August - the date Dan would have celebrated his 30th birthday.

Joe described his pal as a guy who loved a laugh and joke and possessed the biggest smile. "Dan is still by missed by everyone all these years later," he added.

Money raised by the events will go to charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) which is dedicated to preventing male suicide and Papyrus, which is focused on preventing suicide among young people.

"It's such an important cause, suicide affects so many people. I've been blown away by the support already," Joe said.

"Hopefully fewer families, communities and groups of friends have to go through this in the future."

Reflecting on his friendship with Dan, Joe said "We'd go on holidays together as a gang of mates and he'd come on holiday with my family and I went with his."

As to what Dan would have made of his running efforts, Joe joked: "He'd have thought I was mad. I hope he'd be proud too.

"He loved his music, he was an amazing drummer, he'd probably put me a decent playlist together."

Joe will have a support team helping him on his journey, which will cover 262 miles (422 kilometres) in total.

The challenge will include runs in Middlesbrough, York, Hull, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Stoke and Nottingham.

He admitted that it had been difficult to train for such a unique challenge.

"I've done little bits, but it's a complete unknown" he said.

"It won't be fast. It'll be super steady but knowing how many people have given up their time and donated - that'll get me through!"

If you have been affected by themes raised in this article, you can find extra support and help via the BBC Action Line.

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