Pictured above: (l-r) Pino Lucchesi, Dave Bytheway and Denzil Martin

An Aston Villa, a West Bromwich Albion and a Wolverhampton Wanderers fan are burying their football rivalry in a bid to raise over £30,000 for charity.

Dave Bytheway, Pino Lucchesi and Denzil Martin are looking to test their endurance skills to the limit after creating the 'Phoenix Challenge', which will see them complete three marathons, the three peaks challenge and an eighty-seven mile run across Hadrian's Wall in just 90 days.

The trio, who work in Sedgley, Old Hill and Halesowen respectively, have pledged their support to Acorns Children's Hospice Trust, the Rainbow Trust and Beacon Centre for the Blind and are now asking local people and businesses to dig deep to help them meet the magic £30k target.

They have already received support from local sporting stars with a number of events lined up, including an eleven-a-side match against Aston Villa Old Stars and Sporting Question evenings at the Cabin in Sedgley featuring the likes of Gary Shaw, Matt Murray and Cyrille Regis.

"It all started as a conversation over a few pints, but before we knew it we were adding more events to the challenge and we were approaching the charities about raising the money on their behalf," explained Dave, who runs Bytheway Accountants with his father Reg and brother Dan.

"We're not professional runners so have had to develop a special training programme that fits in with our day jobs. This has already started and includes hill runs, speed work, interval training and distance running."

He continued: "It's certainly hard work, but all of the charities have a special place in our heart and we appreciate how much difference we can make to the lives of both adults and children if we are able to reach £30,000."

The 'Phoenix Challenge', named after main sponsor Phoenix Health and Safety, gets underway with the Taunton Marathon on the 3rd April, followed seven days later by Brighton and then culminating in the showpiece London event on 17th.

It then changes focus to the Three Peaks, with the Black Country trio taking on Ben Nevis, Scarfell Pike and Snowdon in just 24-hours, including travel time.

The third and final stage will see them head to Hadrian's Wall in June, where they will spend three days running all eighty-seven miles of the ancient landmark, most of which will be over rough terrain and steep hills.

Children care home worker Pino Lucchesi picked up the story:

"Acorns, Rainbow and the Beacon Centre all do great things in their respective fields and it is an amazing experience talking to children and people who have benefitted from their work.

"It's truly inspirational the impact these three charities have had on thousands of lives and we're hoping the money we raise can be spent in helping to make an even bigger difference. People can sponsor us by visiting http://www.justgiving.com/Phoenix-Challenge."

Phoenix is the main sponsor for the Challenge, pledging £1500 to cover transport, accommodation and equipment costs. 

The Cannock-based firm, which is seen as the UK's leading provider of health and safety training courses and consultancy, operates a strong corporate social responsibility policy and this commitment is the latest in a long line of community projects it is involved in.

Nick Higginson, Managing Director of Phoenix, added his support:

"This is a great example of three normal guys doing something truly amazing and as soon as we heard about it we knew we had to be involved.

"We are proud to be associated with the 'Phoenix Challenge' and urge everyone to play their part in helping them smash the £30k fundraising barrier." 

Dave, Pino and Denzil are now looking for other businesses to get involved through a range of financial and pro-bono sponsorship opportunities. If you would like to take part, please contact Dave on 07985 295316.