A BRIDGWATER College lecturer has managed to complete an impressive endurance charity challenge at Brean Down.

Sonny Topham, who teaches various areas of sport, health and fitness at the college, took on the mammoth task of walking up and down the Brean Down steps 100 times in a day on Saturday.

The gruelling challenge took him 12 hours as he ascended and descended a total of 44,000 steps, climbing a total of 9,700 metres.

Sonny, 26, has been training hard over the past few months set off on the full challenge setting off at 6am in the morning and managed to finish some 12 hours later, shortly after 6pm.

The challenge meant that he ended up climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest, which sits at 8,848 metres - compared with the 9,700 metres he faced.

Mr Topham has managed to raise at least £635 for CLIC Sar - gent and Sensational Kids Somerset through his venture.

CLIC Sargent helps children with cancer while Sensational Kids Somerset supports children across the county with a variety of disabilities.

He had been training with friends and personal training clients in the run up to the challenge, and has been posting pro- gress on social media.

Mr Topham said: “Thank you so much to everyone who came down and supported me, all of you on my social media accounts who left lovely messages and everyone who has donated.”

“I truly couldn’t have done it with out all of you.

“I hope this challenge has inspired and motivated all of you to chase your dreams and imple- ment the mindset that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it.”

Sonny has gathered plenty of support on social media with more than 200 people following his progress throughout the challenge.

There were regular posts during the day as Sonny reached each milestone during his mara- thon effort.

If you would like to support Sonny in his fundraising effort, visit https://www.justgiving.

com/crowdfunding/STPC.