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A super-fit fundraiser is to run the length of Britain - with a fridge on his back.

In an incredible feat of endurance, Tony “The Fridge” Phoenix-Morrison is covering 1,053 miles from John O’ Groats to Land’s End carrying the 42.5 kg bright orange Smeg appliance - covering 40 marathons in 40 consecutive days.

It is the equivalent of carrying 40 litres of water or 40 house bricks, but he insists it is not a Fridge too Far.

The 49-year-old, who has four children and two grandchildren, is already a familiar sight to millions as he has taken part in the Great North Run to raise money for good causes.

This time his “final challenge” will be in aid of the Bobby Robson Foundation, which carries out research into pioneering treatment.

At the launch of his latest epic adventure today, he said: “Carrying the fridge is hard and I know I need to draw a line under things.

“In my head, I’ve had a few ideas about overseas challenges but nothing concrete and I know I need to stop before I damage myself.

"This will definitely be my last big fridge run in this country and I wanted to make it something special.

"To really challenge myself. And there is no doubt this run will do that.

“I am not the slightest bit afraid but I am very wary. Some of the roads and the hills, mountains in some cases, will be brutal.”

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The run starts on Saturday in Scotland, and he will begin early each day, running for around seven hours.

His route takes him from John O’Groats, heading south towards Inverness, then across the Cairngorms into Edinburgh, tackling ascents of 1,500 ft along the way.

Tomorrow, England legend Terry Butcher has invited him for a lap of honour at Inverness Caledonian Thistle - after his first day running.

From here, he will run south east along the A68 to his hometown of Newcastle upon Tyne and then continue south, passing through York and on to Nottingham.

After Leicester, he will hit Milton Keynes before arriving in London.

He will then run south west for the final leg of the journey, reaching the south coast at Southampton, before following the coast line westerly past Exeter and on to Land’s End.

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Tony, who will be parted from son Rocco, seven, and wife Janita, added: “I have never actually run two back-to-back marathons with a fridge, let alone 40.

"But my awareness and fund-raising campaign is all about tackling what is thought to be impossible and making it to the other side.

“I am lucky because I know I can take my fridge off. But if you have cancer you can’t do that.

"It is a burden you are forced to carry and keep going.

"Cancer can beat you to your knees. My efforts are a tribute to all those people who have to fight cancer every day.

"And by fund-raising for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, I feel like I am doing something practical and positive to help.”

His previous “fridge-running” feats have included running 30 half marathons in 30 days and running for 24 hours.

Tony, of Hebburn, South Tyneside, has received tremendous support as Foundation Patron and Middlesbrough chairman, Steve Gibson, arranged for him to use the club’s training facilities.

The charity funds projects within the NHS to benefit cancer patients, and contributes significantly to international research into the disease.

Follow Tony’s amazing journey live via via www.tonythefridge.com and on Twitter through @tony_the_fridge. To donate, visit http://www.justgiving.com/tonythefridge . You can also donate by text with FRID93 £5 to 70070.