Staffordshire men run three marathons

Two former servicemen from Staffordshire have run three marathons in 24 hours.

Mark Rockey, from Fenton, and Kevin Mellor, from Hartshill, both 39, had originally aimed to complete four marathons in the same time.

The two men said they were still proud of their effort, raising more than £700 for the MS Society.

They returned to Stone on Saturday after running along the Trent and Mersey Canal.

The pair left The Star pub at 17:00 BST on Friday, running to the Harecastle Tunnel and back three times.

Mr Rockey, a prison officer, said they had been inspired to take on the challenge after their close friend Andrew Rushton, 39, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis four years ago.

Mr Mellor said: "We're going to be in pain for a few days. People like Andy are in pain most days. That was a real motivator.

"We thought it was going to be a tough one, but we had no idea how tough. I've got aches in places I didn't know could ache."

Despite five months of training, Mr Rockey said the challenge had been more difficult, physically and mentally than the two friends had expected.

Mr Mellor and Mr Rockey were supported by another friend, Paul Travis, 42, from Stoke who cycled behind them with food and other supplies.

Mr Rockey added: "At one point I was gone. If it wasn't for Kev and Trav I wouldn't have done it."