An army veteran from Liss is to tackle a 236km run with 10,000m of climb in Costa Rica to raise money for an armed forces charity.

And the gruelling 156 mile Coastal Challenge from February 4 to 11 is just days before Jim Yeardley’s 50th birthday.

Jim Yeardley finishing an earlier gruelling run

The ultra hard core race will send runners along sandy beaches, through rain forests and across rivers in gorges.

Jim of Andlers Wood is attempting the debilitating race to raise money for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA).

It provides lifelong support to serving men and women and veterans from the British Armed Forces and their families or dependants.

Jim, who is married with a 20-year-old daughter, said: ”I was in the army for seven years, and as a proud veteran, I feel the need to try to raise some money.

“But the timing of the race couldn’t be worse; just out of the British winter and into hot and humid Costa Rica.”

Competitors will run on average 40km a day – with climbs ranging from 450m to 2,950m each day.

They will then camp overnight in their own tents.

The average temperature in February in Coast Rica is around 30 to 35 °C.

Jim works for Bloomberg UK in London; the company is supporting his run.

He added: “By all accounts, it’s going to be very brutal.

“And I know we are in a cost of living crisis and times are tough, but the charities still need our help.

“And the bonus with SSAFA is that my company will match fund everything I raise.

“So if you can spare some money, I’d be honoured if you would sponsor me.”

To sponsor Jim visit the JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/james-Yeardley