Grandad to run seven half-marathons in seven days

Paul Milburn is raising money for people affected by motor neurone disease

A grandfather is to run seven half marathons in seven days to raise money for people affected by motor neurone disease.

Paul Milburn, 53, from Washington, Tyne and Wear, is taking on the 91 mile (146km) challenge to raise funds for the MND Association.

He begins the challenge on Sunday 26 May and will complete a half-marathon route around Washington every day for a week.

Mr Milburn said he had been inspired by the stories and fundraising efforts of former rugby stars Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield.

He has completed the challenge once before, about 18 months ago, to raise money for the Red Sky Foundation which helps children and adults with heart problems.

"I'd sworn then that it'd be the last time that I did it because it took it out of me," he said.

"But I decided, because of what motor neurone disease is all about, I thought, 'nah, I need to push myself'."

Mr Milburn has four children and became a grandad for the first time last year

He said he was "over the moon" that he had already beaten his fundraising target.

Asked why he thinks so many people are supporting him, Mr Milburn said: "I think it's culmination of the charity and what it stands for, but also people can relate to running half marathons with the Great North Run."

He added people in Washington may see him on his route over the week, which goes past the Nissan factory.

'Crazy and too old'

The MND association said Mr Milburn's undertaking will "prove that age is only a number".

"Its thanks to people like Paul, that we can continue to support people with MND and their families with the help and support they need at a very difficult time," an MND spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, the fundraising runner said his family are "super proud" but think he is "a bit crazy".

"They say I'm too old but I say, 'age is just a number'.

"As long as my legs keep us running, I'm going to keep running."