Teen's charity run finale with The Hardest Geezer

A teenager running a mile a day in April to raise money for a mental health charity will be joined on the final leg of the challenge by a man who ran the length of Africa.

Marcus, 16, is raising cash for Mind, in memory of a friend lost to suicide.

The avid Hull City supporter, known online as The Hull Boy, has more than 10,000 followers on YouTube and X, formerly Twitter.

The final mile will take place on 30 April in London, with Russ Cook - otherwise known as The Hardest Geezer - by his side.

Marcus had just returned from a game of five-a-side football when he saw Mr Cook had contacted him via social media.

He said: "You should have seen my face. Russ is probably the reason why I started running."

Commenting on Marcus' post announcing the collaborated run on X, Mr Cook said: "Buzzing for this mate. What you’ve done over the last month is amazing! See you on the 30th."

Marcus said he had been inspired by seeing the journey Mr Cook took running across Africa.

"The mental battle he has faced is inspirational to me," said Marcus. "I'm bricking it but really excited."

Marcus, who is home-schooled and lives with his parents in Malton, North Yorkshire, has previously completed running challenges for Alzheimer's Society, in honour of his dad who has dementia.

Facing depression himself and being "absolutely devastated" following the death of his friend, Marcus said he took up running again after being inspired by a Tyson Fury podcast.

Marcus has raised more than £2,100 so far, external for Mind, and said "words cannot express how grateful I am".

Some of his runs have included football stadiums and Thixendale in the Yorkshire Wolds.

He said: "People take nature for granted but it helps with mental health. The feeling after a run, you just cannot beat. It is beautiful."

Marcus' mum, Jayne, said: "We [Marcus' dad] are both so proud with what he is achieving and what he has raised for mental health.

"We cannot believe how it has taken off, it is unbelievable."

Marcus said his dream is to work in football media and one day hopes to run from Land's End to John o' Groats in Scotland.

He said: "We are never alone. The battle gets tough but there are lighter days. The best thing we can do is speak out about it."

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