A hospital porter on an ambitious run across Britain was robbed by a knife-wielding mugger on a canal path.
Phil Hammond, who works at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, was attacked as he went through Burton-upon-Trent by a robber wearing aviator-style sunglasses and a blue face mask.
Phil was not hurt in the robbery and has managed to carry on.
Police in Staffordshire have been alerted and are examining CCTV footage from the area, Leeds Live reports.
Phil is running 1,200 in 37 days to raise money for the Veterans Charity. He has collected £13,000 so far.
His mammoth trek takes him from Leeds to Land's End, up to Carlisle and back to Leeds.
A spokesperson for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We were shocked and saddened to hear that Phil Hammond, a porter-technician, was mugged at knifepoint during a charity run when he passed through Burton-upon-Trent on Monday.
"We're relieved to hear Phil was unharmed by his ordeal and is doing well, thanks to support from The Veterans Charity.
"He has even managed to stay on schedule. Please lend Phil a hand if you see him on route.
"Phil is a keen ultra-marathon runner and a fundraiser hero for the Veterans Charity. His latest challenge is to run 1,200 miles in just 37 days from Leeds to Land's End, up to Carlisle, then back to Leeds.
"We're rooting for you Phil."
Phil had been on his self-supported run on path next to the Trent and Mersey Canal, near Branston, on Monday, August 2
Police said the mugger threatened him with an orange-handled knife and demanded he empty his pockets.
The victim handed over £40 in cash and the thug fled in direction of Stretton.
The incident was reported to police at 10am on Tuesday, August 3.
The robber is described as white, in his 20s, about six foot, two inches in height and of slim build.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Staffordshire Police on Facebook, Twitter, or call 101, quoting incident number 185 of 3 August.
Anyone wishing to support Phil or donate you can do so here.
