AN INSPIRATIONAL Chard man who is paralysed from the waist down is set to take on a gruelling charity challenge for mental health charity Mind.

George Pas, 40, is joining forces with fitness trainer Liz Wallis to complete a marathon to raise some much needed funds for the charity.

Mr Pas will be using an upper body ergometer, a cardio vascular resistance machine which works all the muscles of the upper body, to complete the equivalent of 26 miles. Meanwhile, Ms Wallis, a fitness trainer at 1610's leisure centre in Chard, will also run 26.2 miles on a treadmill.

Mr Pas is a former army soldier, but suffered life-changing injuries in a motorcycle accident in 2011, which paralysed the lower half of his body and resulted in him being wheelchair-bound.

The treadmill challenge has been masterminded by Ms Wallis, who is an experienced marathon runner who recently completed the London Marathon in five hours.

Although they will be doing the challenge themselves, the duo will be joined by staff and customers of the leisure centre, who will be taking part in a relay-marathon during the challenge.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's challenge, Ms Wallis said: "I am very grateful to George for helping me in this challenge, I am sure he will be an inspiration to others as he has so much to overcome in terms of his disability but this does not prevent him from wanting to give back to worthwhile causes.

"We have three treadmills set up so we can have support from colleagues and customers who can run alongside me and George which will help to keep us going when it starts to get tough.

"You don’t have to run for 26 miles if you want to take part, one or five miles is fine, just to have someone to provide the laughs and encouragement alongside us will be greatly appreciated.

"This is a great way to unite people for a cause which affects so many people in the community and who knows it may inspire others to take up marathon running."

Mental health charity Mind, which offers support and advice to people who suffer from a variety of mental illnesses, is 1610's nominated charity of the year.

The marathon challenge starts at 8.30am this Saturday, and there will also be cakes and refreshments for those taking part.

Anyone wishing to donate to the challenge can do so by visiting justgiving.com/fundraising/Liz-Wallis1610 or for more details contact Liz at 1610 Chard 01460 494020