HARDY fundraiser Mike Stephens is certainly putting his back into it to raise cash for charity.

The 50-year-old is rowing 500,000 metres for the Mercy Rescue Trust and Taunton Rowing Club this month – that’s a mammoth 16,130 metres every day in January.

Youth worker Mike, who is using a rowing machine in his garage, said: “I’ve trained for indoor competitions before but the most I’ve done is 10,000 metres, so this is hard.

“It’s tiring but all for a good cause so hopefully I can raise as much money as possible.”

Mike, of Waterleaze, Taunton, is updating his cult following via a Facebook page, posting his times each evening and pictures of his blistered hands.

Visit the Facebook page or donate through JustGiving.