It has been revealed that Christians Against Poverty (CAP), a Bradford based debt charity, is set to do a sponsored run that will see the founder cover 84 miles in 30 hours.

The trek is the total of three marathons back-to-back.

John Kirby, the introducer of the financial charity, will be joined by two work colleagues and a friend to run the long distance.

They have been training hard in a bid to raise enough money to double the expansion of CAP’s operation to help people as the financial downturn bites.

They aim to set off tomorrow morning and arrive back by Saturday lunchtime. The route will take them from Windermere to Ilkley along the Dales Way, with supporters, including many helped by the charity, set to cheer the team on in the event labelled ‘The Ultimate Challenge’.

Mr Kirby, 47, who lives in Shipley, commented that the sole purpose of the run is to highlight those struggling with personal debt:

"As you know, the recession is causing havoc in many people's lives across the UK, with more and more families falling into uncontrollable debt.

"Running 84 miles over a 30-hour period may seem like madness to some, but we can’t just stand by. We have to give it our all as we are surrounded by such a massive need.”

CAP was started by Mr Kirkby in the bedroom of his home in Great Horton, Bradford, 13 years ago.

At that time his experience in the finance industry had highlighted what little aid there was for people facing spiralling debts.

Therefore, the 84 mile run will be an important modern achievement for all those in debt nationwide.

43 churches across the UK have asked to become CAP centres in just one month, thus, the charity decided to meet growing demand by embarking on its biggest fundraising drive and growth campaign.

Mr Kirkby said: "We took the momentous decision that we needed to raise £750,000 to create a platform upon which we can enable 60 additional churches to open CAP centres.

"Combined with our existing 102 centres, this will increase the number of families that we help by 2,250."

Rodric Williams, CAP centre manager in Widnes, said: "We have first-hand experience of how the recession is pushing more and more people to the brink of financial crisis.

"Hopefully more people will be able to support the work of CAP and ensure that we open our additional 60 centres over the coming year."

Debt help at an age

In another hugely important event, it has been revealed that another debt help charity, Reading Citizens Advice Bureau, will celebrate its 70th birthday this year.

Launched as an emergency service to help meet the needs of civilians during wartime, Reading opened its doors on September 4, 1939, the day after war was declared.

Since then it has helped thousands with financial problems. With yet another stint in a recession, the organisation is doing all it can to help those struggling.

Currently, debt, benefits and unemployment are the main issues facing those seeking advice, representing nearly half the work undertaken. This resulted last year in more than £1 million in benefits and compensation paid to Reading CAB clients.

Chris Turner, CEO of the Reading Bureau, said: "We aim to help more people in different ways and to make sure those in the greatest need receive the most appropriate service.

"We have a great team of supporters, staff, volunteers and trustees who provide the commitment of time and expertise that makes Reading’s high quality service possible."