SOMERSET Guardian readers have helped marathon man John Reynolds, from Radstock, raise an epic £1,920 for the Children's Hospice South West.

Mr Reynolds suffers from a medical condition which causes seizures and spasms, but has battled to overcome an illness that had left him unable to walk.

He was motivated to get the better of his illness so he could run to raise money for sick children. He raised his latest amount through a double marathon at Marshside, Kent, in August.

The Children's Hospice South West recently opened a centre near Bristol for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Mr Reynolds said: "It was a great honour to hand over the cheque to the hospice, which does an amazing job caring for children and their families."

He has thanked the Somerset Guardian for its coverage and its readers for their support.

"Many thanks to everyone, including the children from the hospice, for all their letters and pictures of support before the run," he said.

Mr Reynolds said he will persevere with his running.

"It will continue thanks to the faith and inspiration I have received over a sometimes traumatic five-year period," he said.

"I am already planning with the hospice another little adventure, all being well, for next year."