Fridge-carrying Tony Phoenix-Morrison completes UK run

A South Tyneside man has arrived at Land's End in Cornwall after running from John O'Groats in the Highlands of Scotland - with a fridge on his back.

Tony Phoenix-Morrison, from Hebburn, ran 40 marathons in 40 days carrying the 40kg fridge.

The 49-year-old is raising money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation for cancer research.

He crossed the finish line to cheers from supporters, with his seven-year-old son Rocco on his shoulders.

The married father-of-four - known as Tony the Fridge - said the 1,000-mile trek had left him with a damaged hip and needing physiotherapy treatment en route.

'Just incredible'

He said: "When I set out I genuinely had no idea how far I'd get.

"I wanted to try something so hard that nobody could be certain of its outcome. All I could do was try to prepare myself physically and mentally as best I could.

"At the end of this I feel humbled really. I've had so much support and generosity from the British public from the top of Scotland all the way down to the bottom of England."

Tony finished the trek with his son on his shoulders

The regular marathon runner, who ran for about seven hours a day, said he carried the fridge to represent the burden of cancer.

Sir Bobby Robson's son, Mark, said: "Tony's just incredible.

"What strikes me most about him is his mental strength. That kind of perseverance and determination is exceptional really.

"Anyone who has been kind enough to sponsor him will know he's pushed himself to the limit to raise funds for the foundation."

Mr Phoenix-Morrison will be visiting Sir Bobby's former club Ipswich Town on Saturday when Middlesbrough are the visitors.

He is due to run a lap of the Portman Road pitch before heading back to Tyneside to take part in the Great North run.

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation funds research which directly benefits cancer patients across the north east and Cumbria, and which contributes significantly to international studies into the disease.