A FORMER Runcorn superstar wrestler has conquered a tough test of endurance in memory of his brother.

King of Ohio Valley Wrestling Andy The Rage Baker tackled the Italian Stallion Challenge in America and raised £1,400 for the Delamere Centre at Halton Hospital.

His brother Jon, 37, a police officer from Runcorn, was treated there before he died in 2013, after fighting breast cancer several times.

After months of arduous training, Andy, 37, completed the Rocky Balboa Run in Philadelphia in temperatures of minus four degrees celsius.

He ran the first 3.1 miles in 22 minutes and lined up for the 10 mile challenge straightaway.

Out of the thousands who took part in the event, Andy finished 173 and won three medals for his achievement.

Andy, who runs Runcorn Wrestling Academy (RWA), wants to raise awareness of the Macmillan cancer support and information service.

Andy, from Beechwood, said: “I feel this centre doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.

“They gave Jon the support he needed during treatment. The staff are amazing and they offer services such as complementary therapies.

“Only between 400 and 600 get breast cancer every year.”

Andy, a quality inspector at YKK on the Whitehouse Industrial Estate, said his brother’s courage and determination has inspired him.

“Even when he was going through his illness, he was full of energy,” said Andy.

“He was a very fit guy and was still running. It was quite motivating to see. He used to push himself.”

Andy is now sharing his 17 years of wrestling experience with children and adult trainees.

The talented fighter was picked from thousands of hopefuls to train with the world’s top wrestling stars at the World Wrestling Entertaiment (WWE) Ohio Valley Wrestling School in Kentucky.

Andy, who held three heavyweight titles in Florida and was hailed tag team champion, said: “I have had so many opportunities and really good experience.

“One big dream was to wrestle in Japan and I achieved this eight months after Jon died.”

Andy embarks on Olympic training in January to qualify as an elite coach.

“Many of my trainees now wrestle all over the UK.”

The final show of 2017 at RWA is on Saturday at 1.45pm.