People are being encouraged to complete a marathon over the course of a month, to help raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society (ICS).

The 'Marathon in a Month' campaign is a free and easy way to complete your first marathon, with participants having to clock up 42km in 31 days.

They can complete the marathon any way that they choose - walking, hiking, running, cycling or swimming. Last year's challenge raised €90,000.

Everyone who registers will be given an everyday hero online fundraising page. This will link to their fitness app, keeping track of their progress as they raise money, which will go towards helping the 40,000 people who will be diagnosed with cancer in Ireland this year.

David Farrell from Meath, who fought to keep his left leg as a child because of a condition called neurofibromatosis, clocked up 180km as part of the challenge in 2018. This year, he is aiming to hit the 200km mark, which is the equivalent of almost five marathons.

Mr Farrell lost his grandmother to cancer in 2013 and he said that this challenge not only helped raise funds to fight cancer, but also encouraged him to get active.

"I was born with my left ankle turned severely inwards. Doctors suggested to my parents that I may never walk on my left leg and they should seriously consider amputation, but they refused," he explained.

Mr Farrell had to undergo multiple surgeries over the years to get him on his feet, which he then decided to use for a good cause.

"The challenge got me moving so much so that I smashed the target and kept going. I'd encourage anyone to challenge themselves to complete the distance. Knowing you are making a difference to cancer patients while reducing your own cancer risk is a great motivation," he said.

For more information on the campaign, or to register, click here.