A RUNNER is set to race from Warrington to Blackpool in memory of his late dad on what would have been his birthday.

Christopher Ball, from Orford, has taken on a mammoth charity challenge every year since his dad Derek died in 2014 aged 72 after a 30-year battle with multiple sclerosis.

Not only will this year's efforts in aid of the MS Society include a 44-mile jaunt from his home to the Lancashire seaside town on August 14 – Derek's birthday – the Warrington Borough Council worker will then cycle the journey home.

Then, in September, he will take part in a 24-hour run at Belvoir Castle in Nottinghamshire followed by the Chester Marathon in October.

It comes after the granddad was forced to stop running for three months due to an operation.

Warrington Guardian:

Chris said: "My rollercoaster last nine months has seen me changed my job, moving over to WBC's environmental crime team, and have an operation on my knee.

"This has stopped me running for the past three months.

"With all this going on, I have decided the safest bet this year would be to just carry on running and raising funds for the MS Society of Warrington.

"I always see myself as one of the lucky people who can decide if I run walk and when I go out.

"People who suffer from MS and their families don’t have that luxury in life.

"With the money raised from me doing something I love, the opportunity and support will be there

"This will be my eighth year running these crazy events, and I can’t thank people enough for their support.

"I feel sorry that we still live in a world where raising money through a crazy bald madman can sometimes be the only option we have.

"Thank you again to everyone for all your support over the past eight years and helping me to keep my dad’s memory alive."

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