Runners carry washing machines in fundraiser's memory

Martin Realey, pictured during a previous Oxford half marathon, repeatedly ran the race with a washing machine on his back

A charity run has taken place in memory of a fundraiser who repeatedly ran the Oxford half marathon with a washing machine on his back.

Martin Realey, who was a leader at SSNAP (Supporting Sick Newborn and their Parents), died in his sleep in March.

In his honour, 26 volunteers took part in a charity challenge in Wantage, taking it in turns to run one mile (1.6km) with the kitchen appliance strapped to them.

SSNAP said: "Every step, every ache, every mile is a tribute to Martin's spirit and a step towards helping newborns and their families get the care they need."

Volunteers took it in turns to run a mile carrying the machine

The challenge took place at the charity's Summer Garden Party at Grove Rugby Club

The challenge took place at the charity's Summer Garden Party at Grove Rugby Club.

SSNAP supports sick and premature babies and their families in the Newborn Care Unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

Following Mr Realey's death, Kerri Knibbs, SSNAP's chair of the board of trustees, described him as a "friend, father, sportsman, inspirational fundraiser and a proud ex-paratrooper".

Organisers of the Oxford half marathon said his "unwavering dedication to SSNAP and the families it supports was nothing short of inspirational", while the Oxford Hospitals Charity called him a "passionate and charismatic charity leader".

SSNAP supports babies and their families in the Newborn Care Unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital

The challenge in Wantage was called 'Miles for Martin'