A Tranent man is set to take part in an epic test of endurance in March, as he bids to complete a brutal race across an arid desert, while also raising money for charity.

The epic 4 Deserts Sahara Race (Jordan), which will take place on March 8, is a 155-mile footrace in the deserts of Jordan, and requires competitors to run a marathon a day for each of the first four days, and a double marathon on the fifth day, while carrying all their belongings.

Mike Hancock, of Toll House Gardens, is set to embark on the endurance race, while raising money for a cause close to his heart.

Mike, who works for Cornhill Building Services in Edinburgh, is raising money for the National Deaf Children’s Society, which has been “a lifeline” to his niece, Emily.

He told the Courier: “Emily has battled deafness since the age of two-and-a-half, eventually losing her hearing completely.

“She was accepted for Bilateral Cochlear Implants and underwent an eight-hour operation to have the devices implanted into her skull. The devices were switched on on October 1, 2010, and Emily heard sound for the first time in almost nine months.” Despite only taking up running recently, Mike has already completed two marathons – in Paris and Warsaw – and two half-marathons, and the 43-year-old is now running five times a week in preparation for his next challenge.

He is hopeful that his story might inspire others to “sign up for something that sounds impossible”.

Mike said: “[When I signed up] I’d just completed the Paris Marathon in under four hours, something I didn’t think I could do, and was looking for the next running challenge.

“It was an event that looked almost impossible and would push the limits.” Despite his rigorous training schedule, Mike admits he has mixed feelings about the race.

“I’m definitely looking forward to it but I’m very apprehensive,” he said.

“The exciting thing is that I’ve never done this before, so I’m not sure if I can do it. The charity has also added a different element to it. Everyone has been so generous in their donations and there’s a bit of added pressure from that.” Mike has already raised more than £4,000. To donate, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MikeHancock