A TEENAGER from Penybont is going to be pushing himself physically while putting his own spin on a New Year charity running challenge next month.

Dan Powell, 19, made an “impulsive” decision to join Cancer Research UK’s ‘Run 56 Miles in February’ challenge, whereby people run the equivalent of two miles per day for the entirety of the 28-day month.

But Dan has upped the ante slightly by pledging to run three miles a day instead of two – thereby taking his total to 84 miles for the month.

New Year’s resolutions are part and parcel of making a fresh start every January but Dan admitted his decision was more spur of the moment.

“It was a pretty impulsive decision I made one morning, I saw it crop up and 10 minutes later I decided I wanted to do it,” said Dan, an apprentice surfacing supervisor with Tarmac.

“There was no thought of doing it prior to seeing it. I saw the Run 56 Miles in February challenge for Cancer Research on Facebook and saw an opportunity but I increased the mileage to try and push myself more.

“As everyone is aware cancer is a disease which can massively impact people and their families. I’ve lost someone within my family in the past because of it. It’s just so common but the fight against it is improving, so I think a push now is needed to keep fighting this disease.

“Also, personally, I saw it as a great challenge, my fitness has never been a strong point so any chance to improve that is a good one.”

Dan has already nearly toppled his initial fundraising target of £350, so he’ll be hoping he can smash it over the coming month. If you’d like to donate to his cause, visit his Dan's fundraiser for Cancer Research UK Facebook page.