MARATHON man Andrew Sheppard has completed four gruelling runs in four different countries in the space of just four weeks.
The Woodthorpe man took on the challenge to raise awareness and money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Despite only being an amateur runner Andrew battled to complete half-marathons in England, Switzerland, Germany and France over just four weeks in May and June.
Andrew said: "It's the first time I've ever entered a race, and did so because I wanted to raise funds and awareness in memory of two people; my Aunty Glynis and my girlfriend's mother Nicky Stiffin - who both battled and sadly lost their fight with cancer".
Andrew's Aunt, Glynis Jones, was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer four years ago at the age of 60. She sadly passed away in August 2013. And Andrew's girlfriend, Hannah was just 14-years-old when her mum, Nicky was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The primary tumour was in her lung and after she was later told that it had spread to the rest of her body. Sadly, Nicky died at home but had received care from Macmillan nurses, which led to Andrew wanting to raise money and awareness or the cause.
The Woodthorpe man's challenge has raised just over £1,723 in support of people affected by cancer. Last week he completed his final race in heat reaching 26 degrees.
He said: "I'm slightly sad that my challenge has come to an end. It has been a fantastic journey, from Germany and Switzerland back to Southend for the final run.
"My friends and family have been phenomenal in raising money for Macmillan. Although I'll miss racing, part of me is also relieved that I can now have a weekend off."
Helena Monk, Fundraising Manager for Macmillan in Nottinghamshire added: "It's fantastic what Andrew has achieved in four weeks. Macmillan understand how a cancer diagnosis can affect everything and with thanks to fundraising support like Andrew's we can make sure we're here to listen, and respond to the needs of those affected by cancer, so that no one should have to face cancer alone."
The half marathons Andrew ran in were:
Bad Waldseer, Germany. 1:57:08.
Drei Laenderlauf, Germany, France and Switzerland, 1:54:11.
Winterthur, Switzerland, 1:47:17.
Southend, England,
1:48:51.
You can still sponsor Andrew by going to www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Sheppard-36/
