A RUNNER is set to jog from Warrington to Blackpool in memory of his dad on what would have been his birthday.

Derek Ball died aged 72 back in 2014, having suffered from multiple sclerosis for 30 years.

Every year since, son Christopher has taken on a running challenge on his birthday in aid of the MS Society.

His sixth fundraiser will see him complete a circa 50-mile route from the town to the seaside in Blackpool on August 14.

It is one of a series of charity events the granddad has pencilled in for 2021.

Warrington Guardian:

Having already run the Heaton Park Half Marathon last month, he will be racing the Blackpool Marathon and the Equinox 24-hour run in Leicestershire in September, and is hoping to rack up 100 miles in the latter.

Christopher will then round off his latest fundraiser with the Chester Marathon in October.

The Warrington Borough Council worker, from Orford, said: “2020 wasn’t the happiest of years, and lots of people have lost loved ones and friends.

“The people of Warrington have always rallied together to show their support, and this year they have gone above and beyond.

“My own charity, the MS Society, has seen lots of fundraising events cancelled and members and their families struggle through.

“The past 15 months for all charities has been the hardest time, and without your help and support a lot of them will struggle to offer help.

“This year more than any, I will be looking for people to offer their support again – the MS Society in Warrington still has a future in the town, and I want it to stay in a position to support families like it did for mine.

“This year more than ever, I will do all I can to raise funds awareness and dedicate every mile I do to the families everywhere who have suffered a loss.”

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