Tom Boother at the Human Performance Unit at the University of Essex

Human performance experts at the University of Essex are supporting an Ipswich fundraiser in his attempt to run the length of Britain.

Fundraiser Tom Boother has taken on a challenge to run from Lands’ End to John O'Groats. The challenge, which started on 18 April, will finish on 1 May which means that Tom will be running an average of just over 58 miles a day.

Talking about the challenge, Tom said: “I am so excited. It feels a bit like my university finals, or any kind of exam, you think you should pass but you could easily fail.”

To prepare Tom has been working with experts from the Human Performance Unit at the University of Essex who have provided him with guidance about his training, dietary habits and performance nutrition. Alongside help with training, Kelly Murray from the Human Performance Unit will be part of Tom’s support team and assisting him in achieving his goal.

Tom Boother said: “"I am delighted to be working with the Human Performance Unit at the University of Essex. There are so many things that could go wrong that I need all the help I can get.”

Chris McManus, Human Performance Unit Manager said: “We are really excited to be involved in a challenge like this. It enables us to provide in-depth support during the challenge and gather a lot of useful data.

“We have provided scientific support to Tom since late 2014, providing guidance with his training, which has included standard run training, simulated altitude and strength and conditioning. Furthermore we have assisted him with his dietary habits and performance nutrition, whilst also receiving sports psychology support.

“It is our hope that we will report much of this data as a case study at a Sport and Exercise Science conference.”

Tom’s daily routine now includes waking up at 4am to eat breakfast and setting off at 6am for his 60 miles a day.

Tom will be raising money for Great Ormand Street Childrens Hospital which helped him when he was a child and East Anglia's Children's Hospices.

Before dreaming up the idea to run from Lands’ End to John O'Groats, Tom has finished some of Europe's most challenging races including The Grand Union Canal Race, The Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc and The West Highland Way Race.

To follow Tom’s journey or to donate visit his website.