A SOLDIER from Bromsgrove is set to take part in a gruelling 156 mile ultra-marathon in the Sahara Desert.

Chris Grant, aged 34, decided to take part in the Marathon des Sables event to raise money for the Willow Foundation, a charity which helps provide special outings for seriously ill people aged 16 to 40 after the charity helped his wife get through chemotherapy.

Chris' wife, Andrea, aged 38, was diagnosed with breast cancer just one year after the birth of their son.

The British Army Sergeant is preparing for the race by participating in several training exercises including running between 60 and 110 miles every week.

Whilst getting in shape for the challenge he has suffered obstacles, recently injuring his back.

Chris said: “I'm raising money for the Willow Foundation because they are a fantastic charity who help get so many people through the horror of cancer and its treatment.

“I have been running, a lot of running, I started training again and recently after I injured my back several times.

“I have done marathons, triathlons, but this is my biggest challenge so far.

“My legs hurt from the 15 miles I did this morning.

“I think you can always prepare better than you have- the miles will be okay, I think the the problem of the heat is my main concern.”

He said his son Liam, aged 5, doesn’t really understand the challenge but that he is simply wants his dad to "win."

So far, Chris has raised more than £700. To make a further donation visit justgiving.com/chris-grant12.

He will also need fund the £3,700 participant fee.

The Moroccan multi-day race will be taking place from April 3 to 13 and is considered the toughest foot race in the world.