Chris Greco runs from Oldham to Dunbar in memory of Adam Cheetham

Chris Greco will cover 257 miles – from Oldham to Dunbar – in just seven days in memory of Adam Cheetham, who died in December 2009.

The two friends had represented Dunbar Cricket Club together, while Adam was also a prolific striker with Dunbar United.

Adam, who moved to Dunbar from Oldham in 1999, lived on Brunt Place and worked as a postman.

He was a prolific striker for football clubs West Barns Star and Dunbar United.

Chris Greco is running in memory of good friend Adam Cheetham

Chris, 37, said: “Adam was so friendly. He was outgoing, loved his sport, was well liked and he was popular in the community.

“He is, to this day, still the fifth top scorer in Dunbar United’s goalscoring list.

“He was a good sportsman, really good at cricket, and a good laugh.

He was taken at the age of 27, which was a bit of a tragedy.”

Adam had melanoma and was operated on before undergoing radiotherapy.

He was given the all-clear in October 2008 but, less than a year later, was given the devastating news that his cancer had returned.

Now, Chris, who also plays rugby for Dunbar, is getting ready to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of his friend, who still has family in the town.

Adam Cheetham was an impressive goalscorer at Dunbar United

Setting off from Oldham on Monday, he aims to run an average of 37 miles a day to reach the Halhill Sports Centre finish line next Sunday (June 19).

He said: “I’m not trying to break any world records – I’m about 50 kilogrammes too heavy for that.

“I enjoy running and it is going to be a challenge but I will get through it. It is for a good cause.

“He has been gone 12 years but he is still well liked in the community.

“It’s not going to be fun, it is going to hurt, but it is what it is. I’ve said I will do it, so I will do it.”

Chris Greco

Along the way, Chris, who lives in Dunbar, plans to stay with friends as well as checking into hotels.

He intends to set off before 9am each day and run for six or seven hours before resting for the next gruelling day.

He added: “I think it will be the whole getting up and starting again that will be hard. I do a lot of running and once you get out and get started, the initial legs are sore, but once I am out there it will be fine.”

To donate to Chris’s challenge, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-greco4