Marathon runner's dad steps in after son taken ill

Chris Helberg has been running with Rich Bryer-Ash and charity boss Chris Thomas

One of two men who were aiming to run seven marathons in seven days across Dorset has been taken ill, with his father stepping in to take his place.

Chris Helberg and Chris Bryer-Ash started the challenge on Monday, raising money for Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF), which supports cancer patients.

But on the fourth day, Mr Bryer-Ash developed a suspected viral infection and spent the night in Poole Hospital.

His dad Rich Bryer-Ash, 59, has now taken on the challenge and is running the 26.2 daily miles until his son is better.

Chris Bryer-Ash and Chris Helberg are raising money for Dorset Cancer Care Foundation

He said: "It was scary to see Chris so ill but he is responding well and I'm proud to be trying to fill his shoes until he is back here.

"I'm also in the great company of Chris Thomas, the chairman of the DCCF, who is running beside me and we are hoping the boys will be back running together by the time the challenge ends on Sunday."

The childhood friends began training in October but, before Monday, neither had run a full marathon distance - 26.2 miles (42.1km) - in one go.

It is hoped Mr Bryer-Ash will recover enough to return for the final day of the challenge, which ends at Bournemouth Pier on Sunday.

The men have already raised £69,000 for the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation.

Ahead of the challenge on Monday, Mr Helberg said: "They [the charity] support people with financial hardship.

"When you are going through cancer, you shouldn't be worrying about how you pay your mortgage or get to your hospital appointment.

"They take all these worries away from you."