A FORMER smoker has become one of just 17 people in the world to complete one of the Europe's toughest races for charity.

Phillip Roberts, of Sawley Close, Murdishaw, Runcorn, ran an amazing 10 marathons in 10 days to complete the gruelling Brathay Challenge last week.

The 32-year-old, who used to smoke 20 cigarettes a day, said: "It was great, but quite difficult at times.

"I ran fairly slow for the first three days. They were tough because it was the hottest days of the year, but I finished an hour faster on the last day."

Phillip was one of 10 competitors to complete the annual race, at Windermere, on May 18 to take the total to just 17 worldwide. He finished third.

And he admitted it was brain not braun that saw him through.

"Halfway through it becomes a real psychological battle because you're physically tired, but you have to force yourself to keep going," he said.

"But it feels great to think that you're one of just a few people who have actually completed it."

Phillip, who has competed in several marathons including London and Yorkshire, raised £2,120 for the Brathay Hall Trust, which delivers development programmes to children in the UK.

Phillip said: "I was told that all the money I raised will go to the Merseyside Youth Association because of where I am from, which is really good."

To make a donation visit justgiving.com/philliproberts.