A Shepton Mallet man is running 260 miles around the town to raise money for drinking water for displaced children in Palestine.

Dean Halliwell, 37, began the challenge on Saturday, 20 April, and plans to finish on Tuesday, 20 August.

He is currently 60 miles into the run.

The total distance represents the route from Metula in the north to the most southern point of the occupied territory.

Dean said: "Next week I'll enter the West Bank and the city of Jenin."

The challenge started as a way to regain fitness after an injury.

Dean said he also wanted to channel his emotions into something positive after years of involvement in charity work connected to Palestine.

He said: "I've been involved in charity work for Palestine for a long time, and seen some unimaginable things in that period.

advertisement

"It was taking its toll on me mentally, and all anyone would say is 'there's nothing you can do so stop looking', but I reject that.

"There is always something you can do, you just need to focus the energy somewhere positive, so running is a way I can clear my head and hopefully do something useful too."

Dean is raising money for Water of Hope, a charity set up by brother and sister Ibraheam and Heba, who are living in a displacement camp in Gaza after losing their homes.

The charity also has a fundraising team in the UK.

Dean said his initial target is £500, enough to pay for two water trucks.

Any extra money raised will go directly to a family he supports in central Gaza.

The challenge is due to end on Tuesday, 20 August, which is the birthday of Shahed, the daughter of the family.

Dean said: "I'd like to send it as a birthday present to the family."

He has also helped arrange for Shahed to join a therapy course through contacts with another charity.

Residents may spot Dean running around Shepton Mallet during the summer months.

Donations can be made at: Running for Water

Artwork designed by Shahed is also being sold online at: Shahed's artwork

More local stories

Shepton Mallet Carnival appeals for helpers

Arthur Brown to play Shepton Mallet festival

Subscribe to the free Shepton Mallet Nub News newsletter Get the biggest Shepton Mallet stories straight to your inbox.