A Biddulph personal trainer who heroically ran a half marathon around the town dressed as Mike Wazowski said he was close to giving up during the challenging ordeal.

Biddulph Nub News reported last week how Ritchie Berrie planned to take on a 13 mile route from Biddulph to Congleton and back, and was doing it all in costume as Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc.

Ritchie braved the rain and wind to complete the half marathon in the costume, and finished the run despite being drenched in sweat due to a fan in his outfit breaking half way through.

He took on the gruelling run in aid of Brace Alzheimer's Research, which funds clinical and laboratory research into dementia.

And thanks to his efforts an amazing amount has been raised for the charity - over £700 so far.

He also stopped for pictures with the new Mayor of Biddulph, Cllr Sylvia Rushton, and Biddulph town crier John Robinson.

Following his run he spoke to Nub News about his thoughts on the day, and why he decided to attempt the challenge.

He said: "When I got up and saw the weather I thought 'Oh no, I've made a bad mistake!', and I had text messages from people telling me not to do it, but once I got going it was fantastic.

"I had a fan that fits around your neck to keep the air circulating in the costume, but it cut out half way through, and after that it was absolutely horrendous.

"I have run further before and not had any issues, but the sweat was pouring off me and I nearly gave up three quarters of the way through because I didn't have any water.

"I've been doing a lot of running over the last couple of years so I felt prepared - I had a baby last year so that has been keeping me on my toes as well!"

Explaining why he chose to tackle the run dressed as Mike Wazowski, he said: "I wanted to do something to drum up a bit more interest.

"At first I wanted to do it as Sully, but I thought it would be way too hot in that costume, so I chose Mike Wazowski instead because he's still someone that everybody knows."

He also explained the reason for his chosen charity, adding: "The whole time I was running I kept thinking that there are people going through things right now who would love to be in my position. My dad suffers from dementia so I was thinking of him to help me through it.

"It was fantastic to see everybody supporting me, and it was great to meet the mayor and the town crier, who gave an amazing speech.

"Thank you to everybody who has donated for their amazing support, we are hoping to get up to £1,000 by the end of the week."

Ritchie's fundraiser is still live on JustGiving, and if you would like to donate, click here.