A DAREDEVIL policeman launched his latest charity challenge at Sedgefield Racecourse’s annual armed forces fundraiser today (Thursday, October 30).

PC Keith Todd, 56, jogged on a step machine at the County Durham racing venue for six hours to kick start his training for the London Marathon.

The Sedgefield Bobby has already completed parachute and bungee jumps, fire walks, abseils, cycle rides and other daring deeds for various charities.

But this time the ex-serviceman chose a cause close to his heart, ABF The Soldiers Charity, and the racecourse’s Salute Our Heroes Raceday proved the perfect occasion to launch his fundraising mission.

PC Todd, who was a diver with the Army’s Royal Engineers corps for 20 years, said: “I have had a great response from members of the public today. Everyone has wished me luck.

“My colleagues think I am mad but they are very supportive. It is going to be a big challenge, as I have never run such a long distance before, but I am looking forward to it.”

Meanwhile, Sedgefield Racecourse hosted the Salute Our Hero Raceday, which raises funds for ABF The Soldiers Charity and the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Families Association – two charities which support members of the armed forces and their families.

It is one of many ways the racecourse supports the charities and today’s (Thursday, October 30) activities brought its fundraising total to more than £90,000.

As well as featuring seven races, including the Durham National Handicap Steeplechase Race, the event included a host of family-friendly activities, including a military vehicle display, paintball range, climbing wall and the Kid Love the Races Roadshow.

Ex-soldier Adam Garthwaite also attended and gave an inspiration speech about how ABF The Soldiers Charity supported him after his right arm was blown off during a rocket attack in Afghanistan in 2010.

Mr Garthwaite, 27, from South Shields, South Tyneside, said: “From the moment I entered Headley Court, the Army’s rehabilitation centre, the Soldiers Charity was there for me. They have been my backbone for the last four years.”

Jill Williamson, executive director of Sedgefield Racecourse, said: “In previous years we held the raceday in September but we moved it to October half term so that families can attend.

“This has really boosted numbers and hopefully this means we’ve raised even more money for charities.”

To sponsor PC Todd visit justgiving.com/Keith-Todd1/

* The Northern Echo is raising money for a Help For Heroes facility by producing a limited edition of the paper to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.

The Remembrance Sunday special edition, on November 9, will include a front cover exclusively designed by Mackensie Thorpe and 10p from every sale will go to support tyhe Phoenix House rehabilitation centre in Catterick as part of the paper's "£100,000 for 100 years" campaign.