Running half marathon every day 'makes me happy'

Eddie Towler is set to finish his year-long challenge on 17 November in Leyland

An Army veteran who has completed a half-marathon every day for the last 10 months said the challenge has helped him both physically and mentally.

Eddie Towler, 56, set himself a year-long Iron Duke 365 Challenge for Healthier Heroes, a charity based in Burnley, Lancashire.

Mr Towler, from Bradford in West Yorkshire, hopes to complete his epic challenge on 17 November after beginning his final 13.1-mile (21.1km) stretch in Leyland.

"You always feel happier for going out there and doing a run," he said.

Mr Towler, who served in the Duke of Wellington Regiment and also worked for Lancashire Constabulary, has done several charity challenges including running 870 miles from John O'Groats to Land's End.

He was very glad to get back on the road this year after having to take time out last year due to a knee injury.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire he aimed to "raise awareness and lots of money" for Healthier Heroes.

Mr Towler said: "They do amazing work with veterans who have fallen through the cracks of life, mainly through PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

"They rebuild their confidence and peer mentor them back to health," he added.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, he remains a passionate advocate for running.

"You may set off and you may be feeling a bit down or whatever," he said.

"But you get out there and you never feel sad after a run."