Derbyshire man set to run across America from east to west

Eric Keeler will begin the mammoth fundraising event in Lubec, Maine, on Sunday, April 29.

Over seven months, the 29-year-old will cover around 4,000 miles and pass through 16 states and 10 major cities before finishing at San Diego, California, just before Christmas.

Eric, of Woodview Close, Wingerworth, will be raising much-needed funds for Spinal Research.

He said: "I hope to cover around 50km every day and take a few days to explore the sights and big cities when I reach them.

"Obviously it is impossible to say that I will be able to make 50km every day, some days could be through mountains, bad weather or in the desert, but I am hoping that the good days will make up for the bad ones.

"I will be taking everything I need in a modified baby stroller and I will be mostly living in a tent along the way – but if anybody offers me a bed, sofa or floor for the night, it would be rude not to accept!"

Eric said there are a number of ways people can help him as he embarks on his challenge.

The simplest way is to follow him on Facebook via www.facebook.com/CornerToCornerUSA.

Eric said: "I want to connect with as many people and tell the story of what I am doing."

For more information about Eric's fundraising challenge and to donate to support him and Spinal Research, visit www.cornertocorner.runEric has been fundraising for Spinal Research for the last five years and so far raised more than £10,000 to help fund research into curing paralysis.