Graeme Staddon aims to run 12 marathons this year to raise vital cash for cancer charities

But Graeme Staddon has also pledged to comply with all the "social distancing" guidance issued by the government in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Graeme is bidding to raise vital funds for cancer organisations after two members of his family were diagnosed with the disease.

His father-in-law, Tony Rest, a chemistry professor at Southampton University, died of prostate cancer in 2016 aged 73.

The following year his father, John Staddon, 79, was diagnosed with breast cancer - a rare condition in men - and had to have an operation.

Graeme, 51, of Thorney Hill, near Bransgore, said: "Coronavirus has changed things in all our worlds but government guidelines say I can still run – and I intend to."

He was planning to run in the Southampton Marathon but the event has been postponed so he has decided to complete a self-organised marathon from the Vitality Stadium - home of Bournemouth FC - to St Mary's Stadium in Southampton - on April 4.

Graeme said: "It will be a little bit longer than a marathon at 28 miles but a challenge that I have wanted to do for a while.

"As per government guidelines I will be keeping at least two meters away from anyone I encounter on route. If things change in regards to coronavirus I will be going along with any guidance provided.

"I am doing this for two charities which are close to my heart - Prostate Cancer UK and Breast Cancer Care.

"I know things will be tough for a while for all of us but if you can spare anything it is all appreciated and going to two great causes."