Sir heads to Peru for gruelling jungle race

ST Joseph's RC Primary school deputy head teacher Steve Hill gets a send-off from pupils before his Jungle Ultra Marathon in Peru

DAREDEVIL deputy head teacher Steve Hill says it will be a case of "right foot, left foot" as he prepares to take on the gruelling 230k Jungle Ultra Marathon.

He has flown out to Peru with lots of messages of support from pupils at St Joseph's RC Primary School in Shaw ­- and he got upgraded to business class for the flight after the airline learned of his charitable efforts.

Mr Hill, who received the MBE in 2015, faces the equivalent of six marathons in six days in the soaring temperatures and near 100 per cent humidity of the Amazon rainforest.

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He will carry all his food and essential supplies ­- which include a flare to summon help and an anti-venom pump ­- and will sleep in a hammock at night.

The challenge starts on June 4 and people can track his progress at www.beyondtheultimate.co.uk.

It is the latest in a series of challenges ­- from the North Pole marathon to climbing Mount Blanc ­- which Mr Hill takes part in to support the fundraising of his Year 6 classes.

He said: "It's all getting very real now and after months of training it's time to bring on the jungle. I'm really looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

"It's going to be extremely tough but I know it's also going to be an amazing adventure.

"It'll be a case of left foot, right foot and an 'I can and I will' mentality which is something that I always encourage with the children at school.

"I've got a class of fantastic children right behind me. They'll be with me every step of the way and I'm looking forward to sharing my adventure with them on my return ­- probably minus a few toenails!

"The children in Year 6 have provided me with lots of motivation over the past few months and have given me lots of inspirational letters and a hand-knitted mascot for me to take with me.

Support

"A huge thank you to everyone for their encouragement and support, it really does mean a lot."

Mr Hill and his Year 6 pupils are raising money for Dr Kershaw's Hospice in Royton, Ward 84 at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Parkinson's UK, Polycystic Kidney Disease Charity, Chernobyl Children's Life Line and the school's parent-teacher association.

To donate to Mr Hill, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Steve-Hill-232.