FUNDRAISERS are running a 250-kilometre ultra-marathon - dubbed the 'toughest footrace on earth' - in a bid to collect £30,000 for a cancer charity.

Steve Nelmes, 43, from Blaenavon, and Jim Coles, 43, from Pontypool, are taking part in the Marathon des Sables next April in order to raise funds for Velindre Cancer Centre.

Both Mr Nelmes and Mr Coles, who are firefighters at Malpas Fire Station in Newport, will be put to the test as they run 250 kilometres across the Sahara desert - in temperatures of over 50 degrees.

Having lost his stepfather to cancer in 2010, Mr Nelmes said he wanted to raise money for Velindre as they supported his family during the difficult period.

He said: “Both Jim and I have had family members affected by cancer and we are both very grateful for the care and support Velindre gave our families and now we want to give something back.

“The marathon is sold as the toughest footrace on earth and because of that we are trying to replicate the hard work that Velindre do on a daily basis.”

Mr Nelmes, who spent 13 years in the Royal Marines, raised £15,000 for the Fire Fighters Charity when he took part in the Marathon des Sables in 2010, an experience which he says left him "battered and bruised".

He said: “It has taken me six years to forget how physically and mentally damaging the marathon was, but I’m looking forward to being reminded again.

“At times you’ll hit a wall and not want to carry on, but what you have to realise is that the money being raised is for a worthy cause and that's what gets you through to the end."

In preparation for the marathon next year, the pair will be running up to 50 miles per week.

"In the last six years alone I have ran over 30 marathons and 19 ultra-marathons, but nothing prepares you for a 250k run in unbearable heat," Mr Nelmes added.

Having already raised £18,000 for Velindre Cancer Centre, the duo are now looking to raise an extra £12,000 for the centre and are urging people to donate.

Earlier this month, Mr Nelmes’ eight-year-old nephew, Jacob Chappel, raised £2,175 and put it towards the duo's figure.

To sponsor the runners visit www.bit.ly/1M6KSZp