A COMRADE'S horrific injuries have prompted a local-born Royal Marine to fulfil a fantastical feat of endurance by running the breadth of America.

Colour Sergeant, Damian Todd, who grew up in Gunness will lead a five-man team, including triple amputee, Marine Mark Ormrod, on a unique challenge by running from New York to Santa Monica.

The punishing 16-state trek from East to West coast will take two months and covers an astonishing 3,530 miles, with Todd taking part on a hand bike after suffering an injury during training for the event.

The five warriors will also have to battle through three deserts, altitudes of over 8,000ft and temperatures in excess of 40C.

Todd first spawned the idea of the Gumpathon after watching a Hollywood blockbuster.

He said: "The idea for the Gumpathon came to me about 14 years ago after watching the film, Forrest Gump.

"I just thought what an amazing idea it would be to run across America – you could raise so much money for charity.

"I never really did anything about the idea until my friend Mark Ormrod was severely injured in 2007 – that was the catalyst to make the project happen."

Ormrod suffered severe injuries on Christmas Eve, 2007, while serving in Afghanistan, eventually having three limbs amputated.

He has written a book about his experiences called "Man Down", which was published in 2009.

Despite his horrific injuries, Mark will be running with the rest of the crew, completing a mile every day.

Todd said: "I've seen Mark in training and a mile is very difficult for him.

"His determination is incredible."

Ormrod and Todd will also be joined by Marine Jamie Jobson, Staff Sergeant James Mazzoni-Dalton and Army Physical Training Corps and US Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Charles Padilla.

Todd believes the military men are well prepared to take on the mammoth challenge.

He said: "The training that we have undertaken to become Marines means that we will be able to deal with the tough conditions.

"Going past places like the Grand Canyon means we'll be against some great backdrops but in parts we'll be ascending to about 8,000ft in 74 miles so it's going to be very hard."

Having already completed 800 miles in training, Todd suffered a setback just over a month ago.

"I snapped my Achilles tendon four weeks ago so I won't be able to run, but I'm the most determined guy I know so instead I'll be doing the Gumpathon on a hand bike.

"The hand bike is incredibly hard – after I've finished on it, my whole body aches. I've served as a Royal Marine now in excess of 21 years and have never felt quite so strongly about wanting to achieve something that will help others."

Proceeds from the Gumpathon will go to three charities including Help For Heroes, the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund and the US Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.

Todd and the team will start the Gumpathon on September 10 and aim to finish on November 11 and can keep up with their progress and donate by visiting www.thegumpa thon.com