A GROUP of friends to a late cancer battler is nearing the end of its charity challenge. 

Friends of Anthony Swift, who passed away from cancer in July 2020, set themselves on a four-part challenge to help raise money for Willowbrook Hospice.

Ant, also known as Kooga, was a "top tier" husband and father who lost his battle at the age of 34. 

Dan Cunliffe, one of Ant’s pals who took part in the fundraising challenge, recently completed the Manchester Half on Sunday in memory of his late friend.

Dan said: "I never ran until three months ago. I used my half marathon to really push myself and managed 1:59:47; I'd put 2:30 on the entry form as I'd never really ran when I decided to do it.

"I wasn’t expecting to be able to do it; it was quite an experience."

The 37-year-old said that they are "made up" with having currently raised around £2500.

St Helens Star: Ant 'Kooga' Swift's pals display a banner after completing the challenge Ant 'Kooga' Swift's pals display a banner after completing the challenge (Image: Dan Cunliffe)

Between them, the group of friends aimed to complete the Yorkshire Tough Mudder, Yorkshire three peaks, the Great North Run, and the Manchester Half Marathon.

All four events have now been completed, with an additional challenge of running four miles, every four hours over a 48-hour period, scheduled to finish the fundraiser.

Ant was a dad-of-one and an IT contractor, who was described as a "one-in-a-lifetime bloke."

His battle with cancer came to an end at Willowbrook Hospice, with his loved ones thankful for its "outstanding job" of looking after Ant.

St Helens Star: Dan and Ant, "the man himself slinging some pints" Dan and Ant, "the man himself slinging some pints" (Image: Dan Cunliffe)

To donate to the fundraiser in memory of Ant, visit the Just Giving page here.