A YORK store manager is training to tackle a gruelling overnight trek to help support injured British soldiers and their families.

Colin Powell, 30, has been enduring freezing temperatures to prepare for the Transpennine Challenge, which will see him walk and jog more than 62 miles from Manchester to Sheffield in June.

Colin, known to his friends as “CP”, said: “I’m competing to raise money for Help For Heroes, with a minimum target of £400. This charity is close to my heart as my grandfather was a Second World War veteran, so I would like to support the cause.

“This is a national event with about 1,500 participants.”

Colin, originally from Keighley, West Yorks, works at Marks & Spencer as a store manager and lives with his fiancée in Hemlock Avenue, Huntington.

To raise awareness of his efforts, he published a photo of himself naked on Facebook with details of the event covering his body on a piece of card.

He said: “I play football and do a bit of swimming but I wouldn't say I’m an athlete, no. I've never done anything like this before.

“My friends and family think I’m a little bit crazy, but they’re really supportive.

“I’m hoping to be able to double my minimum fundraising target.

“They haven’t finalised the course yet, but ultra marathon runners can finish it in 15 hours. People who walk it take 30 hours.

“I’m aiming to jog and walk so hope to do it in about 20 hours.”

To support Colin, see justgiving.com/Cpbigstuff