A FLINTSHIRE man is to take on a fundraising 24 hours non-stop walk in his back garden - a week after completing a garden half marathon.

Mark Keen, from Hawarden, will undertake the mammoth feat this weekend in aid of the NHS amid the coronavirus crisis, but also because he knows first hand how much of a treasure it is.

The 42-year-old said: "Obviously the current climate has highlighted what an asset we have in the NHS, but regardless of the current COVID19 situation I was going to aim to support these wonderful people this year, as on numerous occasions over the past couple of years I have needed their assistance with my ongoing (and now cured) heart condition.

The Leader:

Mark Keen during the half marathon in his back garden

"At the end of 2019 I had a heart operation carried out by the staff at Broadgreen in Liverpool, having spent the past couple of years in and out of the Countess of Chester with Atrial fibilation, so I saw first hand how amazing our NHS is."

And just last weekend, Mark showed how effective the treatment he had has been as he completed a half marathon in his back garden.

"Once complete I was of course exhausted, slightly disappointed at the time albeit I'm pretty sure it was a new course record," he joked.

But he won't stop there, and this weekend's 24 hour walk has already raised £650 for the NHS.

The Leader:

Mark Keen and wife Kate

Mark added: "As my garden half marathon at the weekend drew so much attention on my live feed and in my comments section on Facebook, I have been thinking and plotting my next challenge.

"It is obvious people like to see me suffer so the next challenge I have set myself is a walk in my garden for a period of 24 hours.

"All proceeds of this will be going to the NHS. I understand some people may be facing furlough or may have even been released from your current work positions, so your words of encouragement pre and during the walk will be more than enough to give.

"Those of you lucky to be still working or in a more favourable position, I know you are not out drinking so I'm expecting to see the cost of a pint, gin or large glass of wine donated at least!"

Mark recalls one moment in hospital that made him realise how important it is to support healthcare workers.

He said: "I remember being in my hospital bed and overhearing a conversation between two young staff nurses, they were literally discussing the fact that neither of them could afford food for their evening meals, and were discussing the fact that they literally had tins of beans left in the cupboards.

"Let's dig deep and raise money to help these great people, I'm prepared to blister and write off the Monday and Tuesday following the event - as that's how long it will take for me to walk again."

You can donate to the fundraiser here.