WHEN dad Graham Smith set himself the challenge of running 10k every day for 256 days he he hated the sport but now nearly 100 days into his endeavour he knows he will find it hard to stop.

Web designer Mr Smith, 56, from Patney, near Devizes will complete his 100th day of running at least 10k on November 17 but he has now signed up for the London Marathon next April and has already completed an ultra marathon.

He is raising money for the Stroke Association after both of his parents suffered from strokes and later died. He spent three years looking after his mum and when she died in May he wanted a new purpose to his life and decided that raising charity cash could be the answer.

He said: "In the past few years my life has been turned upside down by stroke. My father had two strokes and sadly passed away in 2014. He was the full-time carer to my mum, who had dementia. I cared for my mum for three years, and then in May this year she had a stroke and sadly passed away in September.

“I found caring full-time for someone with dementia extremely demanding and detrimental to my own health. I have always been reasonably fit, but after my mum passed away I wanted to do something to keep me focused and healthy. I’ve never been a runner or enjoyed running before, but I really wanted something to challenge me.

“My original plan was to run a minimum of 10k every day for 100 days. The Stroke Association then gave me a place on their team for the 2018 Virgin London Marathon, so I’m going to keep going until at least next April, which takes the number of days to 256.

“I’ve set myself a challenging fundraising goal of £10,000. Believe it or not I’m actually enjoying each run, and I’m even considering extending this! I’m really passionate about supporting the Stroke Association, I know just how devastating the condition is and I’m determined to do my bit to help make a difference. Early mornings, achy legs and sore feet are nothing compared to what families like mine have been through. I’m doing this challenge to support others who need help after their stroke.”

His two daughters Hannah, 20, and Abbey, 19, are supporting his running and Hannah has agreed to join him in an ultra marathon next August when they will run 100 k to raise money for Alzheimers Society.

He is hoping to complete the London Marathon in under four hours and if possible below 3hrs 40mins which would put him a draw for a place in the Boston Marathon.

He said: "I run at 6.30am every morning and follow the same route. It usually takes me about 55mins."

To sponsor him visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/100daysof10ks