A director of a Cumbrian-based insurance firm is aiming to raise £1,000 for a youth charity by taking part in a gruelling 21-mile run.

Stephen Ward, from RAW Insurance has signed up to take part in the Silverdale Circuit next month to raise money for Carlisle Youth Zone.

He will line up on the start line at Milnthorpe on October 16 and follow a route which passes through Dallam deer park and Leighton Moss Nature Reserve and includes an ascent of Arnside Knott.

This will be the first running event since completing the Great Cumbrian Run half-marathon 15 years ago.

He has been working with Carlisle-based personal trainer Stuart Windsor twice a week, as well as going on training runs on his own.

He said: “I’ve done the miles so I’m as ready as I’ll ever be to take on the challenge. It’s a personal challenge for me to see if I can run that distance on a route which includes some fell running. I’m looking forward to the sense of achievement when I cross the finish line and raising money for Carlisle Youth Zone in the process.”

RAW Insurance, founded and run by Stephen and business partner Ryan Roberts, is a commercial insurance broker which specialises in helping SME businesses in Cumbria and north Lancashire.

The business is a patron of Carlisle Youth Zone, as well as a supporter of St Mary’s Hospice, which is based at Ulverston.

Stephen said: “It’s important to us that we support charities which help communities in which we live and work.

“Carlisle Youth Zone is a brilliant charity which helps so many young people in the city. The more money we can raise to support its work, the better.”

Lynsey Buckle, Development Manager at Carlisle Youth Zone, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Stephen has chosen to take on such a challenge for Carlisle Youth Zone.

“RAW Insurance have been supporters of our work for many years and they are always the first to say yes to crazy challenges.

“As the charity gets back on its feet after the Covid crisis, having this sort of amazing support is so important to us. It will ensure we keep our doors open and continue to be there for the most vulnerable young people in the city. We can’t wait to see how Stephen does and wish him loads of luck with training.”

You can donate at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stephen-ward-cyz?