SUPER runner Quentin Somerset is to cover 100 miles in one day to raise money for a wildlife charity.

Deputy mayor of Berkeley Quentin has set himself the challenge to run 100 miles on his 40th birthday at the end of June.

However this is far from his first extraordinary challenge, having completed 30 marathons and 10 ultra marathons, of over 50 miles, all raising money for various charities.

In both 2009 and 2010 he ran the Marathon Des Sables, a 150 mile race in the Sahara desert.

The race spans six days during which Quentin had to carry everything to survive - apart from water which was rationed - in up to 50 degree heat. The race is dubbed ‘the toughest footrace on earth’.

"I do like to run, I run about five times a week," said Quentin, a designer at Airbus in Filton. "It is a time to get away from everything."

He admits he likes the challenge, but this time he thinks it is going to be his toughest yet.

"I’ve run 83 miles in one go and it was extremely painful, so I am very nervous about doing 100 miles," he admitted.

"I run because I can. When I get tired I remember those who can’t run, what they’d give to have this simple gift I take for granted."

The run will start in Stratford-upon-Avon at midday on June 24, finishing in the same place hopefully at midday on June 25 when he will be greeted by family.

"It will spur me on knowing that my family will be waiting at the end, plus it will be my birthday – it is the perfect challenge."

Quentin is raising money for the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which rescues baby elephants and rhinos from poachers in Nairobi, Kenya and nurses them back to health.

"I have raised money for many human charities over the years such as Cancer Research and diabetes, so I wanted to do something for wildlife. I love animals and thought this was an excellent charity."

You can sponsor Quentin online at www.virginmoneygiving.com/quentinsomerset