A MAN completed the Berlin Marathon for a local hospice over the weekend, following a stressful couple of weeks.

Dan Hodges, from Eccleston, ran one of the world's 'major' marathons on Sunday, September 25, to raise money for Willowbrook Hospice.

It is Dan's third fundraising event of the year after previously competing in a charity boxing match for Cancer Research in July and running a marathon through St Helens for Willowbrook in August.

St Helens Star: Dan said the race was one of the best things he has doneDan said the race was one of the best things he has done (Image: Dan Hodges)

With a further challenge to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for the Standing Tall Foundation planned next month, Dan said he has had a tough couple of weeks prior to the race in Germany.

A period of "burnout" in his training, personal, and professional life made him consider withdrawing from the marathon, particularly after some negative comments were directed toward him.

He also nearly missed the race in Berlin after his original flight was cancelled, but after making the event just in time, he described it as "one of the best things [he] has ever done".

St Helens Star: Dan was part of a team of five running for Willowbrook HospiceDan was part of a team of five running for Willowbrook Hospice (Image: Dan Hodges)

Dan, who became involved in fundraising following a battle with his mental health, said: "I had a bit of a stressful time leading up to the marathon but the event was really next level.

"The crowd was phenomenal and from start to finish there was something along the course to distract you and make the 26 miles actually really enjoyable.

"It was just epic really; a massive spectacle with so many different nationalities and then things like cheerleaders, orchestras, opera singers, and DJs to keep you entertained along the way.

"It was absolute madness but one of the best things I've ever done - and I'm really glad I've got a good group of people around who have supported me through this and put things into perspective."

St Helens Star: Dan completed the race after a stressful few weeksDan completed the race after a stressful few weeks (Image: Dan Hodges)

With a team of five running for Willowbrook in Berlin, Dan said it was an "honour and a privilege" to represent the St Helens hospice at such an occasion.

After a period of recovery, he will travel to Tanzania next month to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for the Standing Tall Foundation, and complete his year of fundraising.

To support Dan's fundraising efforts for Cancer Research, Willowbrook, and the Standing Tall Foundation, you can donate here.

To support the wider Standing Tall Foundation teams project in Kilimanjaro, you can donate here.