A PROFESSIONAL Thai boxer from Whitefield hopes to hit the ground running as he prepares to sprint 100km for charity.

Fighting fit Scott Richards will run the Yorkshire 100km and hopes to raise £300 for Blind Veterans UK, a charity that has helped veterans with sight loss since the First World War.

Most participants will be walking the gruelling 62-mile course — the equivalent of almost two and a half marathons — but never one to do anything by halves, Mr Richards will run the course to make it more of a challenge.

The 35-year-old will tackle the green hills and rugged moors of Yorkshire and the Peak District before finishing at the Blind Veterans UK centre and Guide Dogs outreach office in Sheffield.

Mr Richards said: "They have put their lives on the line for us on a daily basis and should be supported no matter what.

"This is why it's great to support Blind Veterans UK by doing this challenge. They support veterans no matter when they lost their sight and help give them back their independence."

Coming from an armed forces family, Scott was born on a military base in Germany. His father served in the Royal Army Medical Corps for 30 years, while his mother served for eight.

Although he still keeps fit with Thai boxing, Mr Richards understands that the 100k will take more endurance than he has become accustomed to.

He added: "I'm already at a fairly decent level of fitness because of the Thai boxing but will have to change the way I train to be able to do what I'm setting out to do.

"The mind-set however is the same and I will get across that finish line one way or another."

The event will start at Denby Dale on June 18. To support Scott, visit justgiving.com/Scott-Richards3.

Registration for the run is open and costs £50. Relay teams have a fee of £90. The price is all-inclusive and includes breakfast, lunch and dinner at three rest stops as well as an event t-shirt.

To register visit 100kyorkshire.org.uk.