Matthew just keeps running and running

Matthew Melling, from Pemberton, completed his 100th consecutive run and fittingly chose Wigan Pier as the location for it.

His athletics challenge, which began at the start of the year, has seen him lace up his running shoes all around the borough as well as farther-flung locations such as Chernobyl, Hamburg and Kiev.

Matthew has spoken of the emotional impact of finally seeing the devastated places which had to be left to their fate following the nuclear disaster.

He said: “It was eye-opening and a very moving experience. It makes you realise just what an impact it had on all those people.

“You come to a checkpoint with soldiers checking everybody coming in and out, and then you see the houses left abandoned and worn down.

“We were also told not to stroke or touch any animals that might come near us. A few people were a bit surprised to see somebody running around there.”

He has been extensively chronicling his adventures on social media, including taking a picture at the end of each run in a now-trademark pose with his arms spread wide and his back to the camera.

Matthew originally got his trainers on to raise money for the OddBalls Foundation, a cancer charity, but now runs to raise awareness of Wigan-based cause Helping the Homeless.The group’s volunteers, including Matthew, meet every Wednesday evening in Wigan town centre to distribute food, hot drinks and warm clothing to those without a roof over their heads.

To find out more visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/matthew-melling-helping-the-homeless

*Are you doing a feat for charity? Email [email protected] or ring (01942) 506221.