A ROYAL Navy Air Crewman attempting to break the world record by running the entire north coast of Cornwall in one go has been forced to pull out.

Leading Hand Liam Armstrong, of Crook, set off to run the 145-mile stretch between Devon and Cornwall early last week.

After completing 90 miles, the 28-year-old made the decision to pull out in the early hours of Thursday morning after a harsh battle against 45 mph winds and freezing rain.

LH Armstrong, originally from Bishop Auckland, said: “I gave it absolutely everything and suffered like I’ve never suffered before.

“After battling against the conditions and giving everything I had to keep going, my body started to fail me.

“It was with a heavy heart that after 90 miles I pulled out of the At-Your-Pace North Coast Challenge.”

About £2,500 has been raised for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and Bliss which supports premature babies and their parents.

LH Armstrong added: “I feel pretty down at the moment. Obviously I set myself up for the success of completing the challenge and all the elation that would have gone with it, so the flip side is utterly heartbreaking.

“But we’ve raised thousands for charity, and done a good thing.”

Lieutenant Dominic Rotherham, who was part of the support team, said: “During the first 50 miles he was on track to smash his expectations.”

He was running four and a half mph but it dropped down to 3mph when the severe weather hit.

Lt Rotherham added: “LH Armstrong lived up to the core values of the navy and we are very proud of him.”

LH Armstrong said: “I know I couldn’t have done anymore over the past 48 hours, and that is one thing I can be proud of. Who knows what the outcome would have been if the weather had been less extreme.

“Once again, thank you to everyone involved, who donated, sent supportive messages or even took an interest in this challenge. Dream big, lead from the front.”