Man to cover 1,000 miles for 'life-saving' charity

Mark Macfarlane was inspired by the rescue of his friend's son

A man is running and walking a thousand miles to raise money for the air ambulance charity which he says saved the life of his friend's son.

Mark Macfarlane said the boy was taken to hospital for specialist treatment by helicopter when he was seriously injured after being hit by a bus in Sandgate, Kent, last year.

"Thankfully he made a full recovery and is actually going to be walking a bit of the challenge with me, but it's unlikely that he'd be here if not for the air ambulance," said Mr Macfarlane.

The 47-year-old covered 500 miles in September and is hoping to reach the 1,000th by the end of October, with 13 half marathons scheduled in "just to spice things up".

Army veteran Mr Macfarlane is trying to raise £1,500, which he will donate to Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex.

"I started off in September with this just being a personal challenge, but I've realised that I can actually raise money for a good cause," he said.

"It's really important that people keep fundraising, without our funding the air ambulance wouldn't be able to run.

"I'm meeting some good people, not too many when it's raining though. It's definitely getting easier though because my body's adapted."