Kirkby's 5am Club start gruelling challenge for Zoe's Place

The 5am Club of Kirkby are embarking on the challenge of their lives for Zoe's Place this weekend, taking on the David Goggins '4x4x48 Challenge' of running four miles every 4 hours for 48 hours. David Goggins is a retired US navy SEAL who is an ultramarathon runner and considered to be among the world's best ultra-endurance athletes.

The 5am Club, made up of a group of friends who work out together in the same gym three times a week, completed their first run yesterday, Friday, November 1, and will start their last one tomorrow at 12pm. They start their runs from the Eddie McArdle Playing Fields near Liverpool FC's training ground, and change the route every time, running two miles there, and two miles back.

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Nicki Stewart, 40, who is participating in the challenge, told the ECHO: "Once we heard about Zoe's Place closing, we knew we had to do something to help. Stepping up is what Liverpool people do.

"We've done half marathons and marathons before so we're well-prepared for it. We train three times a week together, always at 5am before we start work. We're all busy with kids and family life, so that's the only time we can train."

Steven Jennings, an ex-footballer who played for Tranmere Rovers, is part of the 5am Club. He is also organising a kids' football tournament in aid of Zoe's Place and the funds raised from that will form part of the 5am Club's total.

The lads have already managed to raise an amazing £16,584 for the baby hospice, but are aiming to reach the £25,000 mark. If you would like to donate, you can do so here.