Two men from the local area have completed a 412-mile run in nine days to raise money for children fighting cancer.

Matthew O'Connor, from Whitworth, and Joe Hughes, from Oldham, ran for The Azaylia Foundation, averaging almost 50 miles every day along Britain's canal towpaths.

They set off from Royal Manchester Children's Hospital and crossed the finish line at West Midlands Safari Park on Sunday, September 27. Their journey has raised thousands of pounds for the charity, which funds life-saving treatments, supports research and provides support to families affected by childhood cancer.

Along the route they visited four major children's hospitals: Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Oxford Children's Hospital and Birmingham Children's Hospital.

At each one they hand-delivered Jessie's JoyJars, bringing the initiative to the UK for the first time. The plastic jars are filled with brand-new, age-appropriate toys, games and activities intended to bring moments of joy, kindness and comfort to children undergoing treatment.

Matthew said: "We knew how hard this was going to be, but crossing that finish line is a feeling we will never forget.

"Every time our legs wanted to give up, we thought of the children we met on the wards. We ran for the kids who can't, and seeing the support from everyone over the last nine days has been overwhelming.

"We just want to make sure these families know they aren't alone."

The finish coincided with The Azaylia Foundation's fifth-anniversary celebrations. More than 400 people attended the event at West Midlands Safari Park to welcome Matthew and Joe across the line, with live music from Sol and the Gang and Jason Allen, and a mural painted live by Mr Murals.

Dominik Byrne, chief executive officer of The Azaylia Foundation, said: "We are incredibly proud of Matthew and Joe for completing this phenomenal challenge.

"The awareness they have raised and the joy they have brought to the hospital wards is immeasurable. The funds raised from this extraordinary effort are absolutely essential, allowing us to continue making a difference for children who simply cannot wait."

Matthew and Joe are continuing to raise money following their challenge, to support their fundraising visit: https://gofund.me/cea9ac8ed