A MAN who lost more than two stone in weight since he started running is to put on his shoes for a daunting challenge for a cause close to his family's heart.

Andy Owens, from Nutgrove, is taking on the 4x4x48 challenge, to help those with cystic fibrosis.

The 37-year-old had been in training last year to complete his first marathon in April in Manchester before lockdown saw it get cancelled.

Andy then stopped running but a turning point came when he was recommended an audiobook by American ultramarathon runner David Goggins, called Can't Hurt Me.

Andy Owens is taking on the 4x4x48 challenge

Andy Owens is taking on the 4x4x48 challenge

Andy before his weight loss

After listening, Andy was more driven than ever and have since completed four marathons and and an ultra-marathon (50k) run too.

Now dad-of-one Andy is set to run four miles ever four hours, for a period of 48 hours and he is doing this in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which he was hoping to raise money for at the Manchester Marathon.

The cause is particularly important to Andy as his sister-in-law Tracy died from the disease in 2012.

Andy Owens is taking on the 4x4x48 challenge

Andy Owens is taking on the 4x4x48 challenge

Ahead of his challenge, which will start at 4pm on Friday, March 5, Andy said: "Running has definitely helped my life in a lot of ways, mainly helping me to relax as I have a lot of time by myself, and in a kind of way I meditate while I’m running.

"It has enhanced my outlook on life which has helped my work life and home life, I believe I’m a better father, husband, and worker due to running."

"The David Goggins book has taught me not to give up, even at the point where you feel you cannot go on. You are only at 40 per cent of your potential.

"It is more than motivation, it makes you driven. It make you want to go and run in the freezing rain as that’s where you are uncomfortable and that is where you mind gets stronger."

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Andy, who works for Oak Tyres in Newton-le-Willows, has gone from being in excess of 18 stone in weight to less than 16 stone and aims to be 14 stone by this June.

"The Cystic Fibrosis Trust was there when Tracy died back in 2012 and did an amazing job for her," said Andy, who is married to wife Clair.

The couple also have a five-year-old son, Jacob.

"Jacob is the reason I started running, I want to be healthier for him," added Andy.

  • To donate to Andy's fundraising page, click here .