A SOUTHAMPTON man has nearly completed his immense fundraising challenging of running 1200km to buy equipment for Southampton General Hospital.

Vinay Sonchatla, 47, a managing consultant in recruitment from Bassett, started the epic fundraiser late 2020 and has so far completed 868km.

Mr Sonchatla caught the bug for running and fundraising following the death of his father, who was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in April 2018.

Since then, he has raised thousands of pounds for the hospital and hopes to fulfil his pledge of providing them with much-needed equipment.

Vinay said: "At some time in 2018 when I learnt that dad only had six months to live, I said ‘I’m going to go for a quick run’. I started realising that every time I was processing the news, I was on a run.

"I decided to run 600km in six months, and after fundraising for two vein finder machines, I felt that I could do more and take up another challenge. I achieved it and I felt satisfied.

"Late 2020, I went to see the nurses at the hospital and they said they needed medicine trolleys. I said I would run, cycle or swim 1200km to fundraise. I wanted to do the challenge over 12 months, but I’m still doing it due to injuries, but I’m on the mend.

"The plan is to complete it by the end of June this year. So far, I have raised £1,450 and I’ve still got a little bit to do."

With only 332km left to run, Vinay is advancing towards the finish line and his target of £5,000.

He said: "The NHS is very sensitive at the moment because the pandemic is taking priority.

"People really underestimate what each and every person who works for the NHS do. The support they give patients is amazing and they go above and beyond. NHS staff pursue this path to take care of people.

"I appreciate what the NHS does and the medicine trolleys will be used in wards D2 and D3 in the hospital."

To support Vinay, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/vinay-sonchatla1 to donate.