A SOUTHAMPTON resident who lost his Dad to cancer has run the equivalent distance of Southampton to the Scottish border in a bid to raise money for a "game changing" piece of medical equipment.

Vinay Sonchatla ran a total of 600km this year raising just over £5,000 for a second vein finding machine at for the oncology ward at Southampton General Hospital.

The 45-year-old Recruitment Consultant was inspired to fundraise after his father Chiman, a shopkeeper, passed away from lung cancer last year just before his 77th birthday.

This year, Vinay personally added to the fundraising as he pledged a pound for every kilometre he ran.

Vinay wanted to keep up the fundraising this year for a second machine, he said:

"It was nice seeing the difference the first machine made to the patients.

"We are very lucky to have an incredible hospital."

Vinay started running with a 2km target.

After increasing to 5 and 10km runs, he realised he could help people through running.

He said:

"I needed to do something that allowed me to think and be free.

"The pain I have experienced during running is nowhere near what a cancer patient feels.

"There is a lot of emotion attached to running and it is all worth it at the end."

Vinay's fundraising started last year with Matt Payne, an oncology nurse at the hospital.

Whilst Vinay focused on hitting his 500km target, Matt took part in the Tough Mudder challenge.

The duo raised £4,171 together for the hospitals first vein finding machine.

Vinay had also raised £2,300 as a result of hitting his 500km target which went to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Vinay is just £1,000 away from his target this year and is considering moving onto triathlons for next years funding.

This year he completed the Southampton 10k, The Fulham 10k and the Royal Parks London Half Marathon.

Vinay wanted to "thank everyone for donations and encouragement" over the last two years.

To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/Vinay-Sonchatla