HOT baths, saunas, and 45-mile jogs across the county are preparing this father-of-one for a gruelling African adventure.

Justin Bowyer, 39, of Madeley Park, Witney, is gearing up to take his place in the 78-mile Namibia Ultramarathon in May.

The aim is to complete the mammoth run, which equates to three normal marathons, in 24 hours, and despite the sweltering conditions, which will see Mr Bowyer battling 38 degree heat, he is confident he will be successful.

He said: “At the moment I am doing around 70km runs, which is about 45 miles, in around eight hours.

“Once you are fit enough to run a marathon I think it is more about having the right mentality to keep going.

“There’s a saying – pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.

“I think that’s really true.

“Pain is a physical thing, but how you react to that pain is up to you.”

The Namibia 24 hour Ultra-marathon is recognised as the ultimate endurance test for distance runners.

Mr Bowyer’s route will take him from the capital Windhoek, through the Brandberg Mountains – the country’s highest and most rugged peaks – to the Skeleton Coast, crossing the punishing Namib desert.

The keen runner has been advised to sit in hot baths, take scalding showers, and long saunas, to acclimatise to the challenging conditions.

Mr Bowyer, a freelance journalist, will be running the ultra-marathon to raise money for the Oxford Children’s Hospital after being inspired by singer Jason Donovan, who has become the unofficial face of the hospital’s fundraising drive.

He will also donate money to SOS Children’s Villages, a charity which works with poor communities, in Windhoek.

Mr Bowyer, father to seven-year-old son Callum, said: “I was interviewing Jason for a magazine and I knew he is a big supporter of the Children’s Hospital, so it seemed like a good idea.

“I also wanted to give some money to SOS Children’s Villages because I know they do great work, and I wanted to make sure the charity I donated to definitely gave something back to Namibia.”

Penny Hambridge, children’s development officer at the hospital, said: “Every donation to the Oxford Children’s Hospital makes a huge difference to our young patients, paying for the very latest medical equipment and improving the facilities for the children and their parents.

“We are always amazed and delighted by the lengths our supporters go to help. We have nothing but admiration for Justin and his Namibia ultramarathon.

“We wish him every success.”

To sponsor Mr Bowyer, who wants to raise as much cash as possible, visit boxfishmedia.co.uk/ namibia