AN AWBRIDGE man is gearing up to run his 100th marathon in eight years in aid of the charity Parkinson's UK.

Simon Williamson will complete his milestone challenge alongside the Awbridge Fun Run at the village hall on September 4.

The 44-year-old business owner's mission was originally to conquer 100 marathons in ten years, but the running enthusiast is on course to smash his target this autumn.

And he has already raised at least £4,196 for Parkinson's UK after aiming to collect £2,000 for the charity.

Simon was inspired to embark on his fundraising journey because his mother, Rosemary, suffers from Parkinson’s disease - a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years.

He explained: "Mum, who is still with us, is doing well with Parkinson's and she has always been a very strong-minded person.

"When she got Parkinson's some 17 years ago I think she really struggled with it initially, but because she is very determined she has fought it and not given in.

"She is doing this hard work and I felt the least I could do was to set myself a challenge."

To make sure Simon hits his target in September, the fitness fanatic has recently completed marathons at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park south of Petersfield, Hampshire, and Kempton Park Racecourse in London.

He also plans to go the distance at Exmoor National Park this month, which will take him on a scenic route along the coast.

When asked what his favourite marathon has been so far, Simon revealed it had to be running 51km in the French mountains.

He explained the event, Trail des Hauts Forts, took him ten hours to complete and saw him take on the summit of the Hauts-Forts - the highest point in the Chablais mountain range.

Simon added he would love to see as many people as possible come to the Awbridge event to support his cause.

He said: "We have different distances for people, because not everyone will want to do a marathon, but there are shorter ones so people can come and be part of it."

To sign up for the event, follow https://bit.ly/3fFNmEt.

To donate to Simon's cause, follow https://bit.ly/3pi60FK.