Chris Cordner has completed a marathon challenge to raise money for Cancer Research with the help of car giants Fiat who provided a stylish Fiat Bravo 1.6 Multi-jet Eco for 48 hours.

Here's one man's story of a weekend he will never forget

Friday, June 27, 9pm: I am about to go to bed. First though, I pray to the weather gods.

"Please WGs," I say. "Don't let it rain tomorrow. I don't want to be drenched. Not when I am pounding the streets in the name of charity."

Saturday, June 28
5am: It's raining cats, gods, men and just about everything else the heavens can throw at me.

10am: My charity challenge has started. I will visit nine points in North East England, doing nine exercise challenges to match the number of places I have visited.

Each stopping point has an initial which spells out the words F-I-A-T B-R-A-V-O - the classy six-speed gearbox Italian car which is to become my trusty steed for the weekend.

First stop, Fens in Hartlepool. I pose for a requisite photo and then head for a nearby gym for my first challenge.

I start with 3,000 metres of rowing. I am already sweating buckets.

My support team of my wife Margaret, mum Maggie and stepdad Edwin are waiting in the comfort of the nearby Fiat. It's hugely spacious and the comfortable interior is just the tonic as I catch my breath.

11.30am: Next, Inkerman. We head to the moorlands of County Durham, passing Tow Law and eventually finding the tiny hamlet I have been searching for.

The rain is tipping down. My back-up team sits snugly in the car. They are the sensible ones.

I set off for a run through the wilds of the countryside. Ten minutes later and there's not a soul to be seen. No houses, nothing.

"Hello!" I shout to anything that may be listening. "Baaaaaa!! came the reply from umpteen sheep, the only living creatures for miles.
I eventually complete a two-mile run. Two challenges down, seven to go.

12.20pm: Allensford Country Park. I am virtually into Northumberland and my third challenge awaits. I do 250 weightlifts and try my hand - or legs to be more precise - on some exercise ball moves.

I am hurting and it's not funny.

Well actually, it is to the passing families who are wondering why a strange man is doing bicep curls in front of them.

1.30pm: Thorpe Thewles, near Stockton.

A decent drive from Allensford gives me a chance to test out the Fiat's many gadgets. Voice control, steering wheel mounted controls, Bluetooth, MP3, cruise control, climate control, rain and dusk sensors. It's got the lot and it's a boy's dream.

Another two mile run completed and a chance to take in the views of a lovely little village.

2.30pm:
Broom Park, Durham City.
A lovely little picnic park. I didn't get to see much of it. I was on my hands and knees doubled up over an exercise ball while I battled through 450 sit-ups. The view to passing drivers must have been intriguing.

I was lying prone over a giant blue ball while my wife held my feet and counted out the sit-ups. One passing dog certainly thought it amusing.

3.50pm: Rushyford, near Aycliffe, County Durham.
Final task of today. Another two mile run and my legs, arms and (strangely) my eyes hurt.

The wind is getting up and it is a blessed relief.

I have seen some beautiful countryside today but I just want to get home.

Sunday, June 29, 4am: I am woken by my aching body which has stiffened overnight. A heavyweight boxing champion must have come into my bedroom and pummelled every part of my anatomy as I slept.

11am: Annfield Plain, near Lanchester in Durham.
More rowing. I complete about 3,000 metres and the stiffness starts to go from my frame.

Van Mildert, Durham City.

I tackle a two-mile run and the sun is out.

Strange thing, though. I can not feel the thumb on my left hand any more and my left knee is aching.

Owton Manor, Hartlepool.

I am almost there. I finish as I started. A quick photo and then it's off to the gym to tackle my last challenge - 45 minutes of cross trainer. I burn 400 calories on this last challenge alone and almost fall off at one point. I am astonishingly tired and dizzy.

I have raised around £300 for the cause close to my heart (three of my family had had cancer) but for now, all I can think of is rest.

But I have one message.

Thank you to everyone who sponsored me and to the car company for the loan of a smashing motor.

In other words, Bravo to Fiat!