Fundraiser to run to every station on Merseyrail's Northern Line

Alex Rigby said there had been support from all around the city

A fundraiser is in training for a challenge that will see him run to every station on a rail line in a day.

Alex Rigby, 32, is hoping to run about 56 miles (90km) to 37 stations on Merseyrail's Northern Line on 10 February.

The runner, who works for domestic abuse charity Centre 56, will set off from Hunts Cross in south Liverpool at 06:00 GMT.

He said: "I wanted to do a challenge that was really unique.

"I was getting the train one day and wondering how long it would take to run to all the stations so it started from there."

He has spent the last few months planning the quickest and safest route, which will see him run north to Southport before heading across to Ormskirk and Kirkby and finishing the route at Kirkdale station in Liverpool, near to the charity's base.

He hopes to complete the run within 11 hours.

'Great support'

This is not the first challenge for the Liverpool Running Club member, who took on an ultra-marathon through every postcode in the city last year.

He will be joined along the route by representatives from businesses, who will complete the run in a relay, as well as friends and colleagues who will be bringing supplies.

He said: "There's been a lot of support from all around the city, which is great."

About £7,000 has already been raised towards a target of £20,000 for the charity.

Mr Rigby, from Bootle, said: "If we can raise anything around that it will be unbelievable.

"The charity has a nursery for children who have suffered domestic abuse and also runs a food pantry and after-school club for the local area.

"It's an amazing place, providing support for people who need it the most."

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