INTREPID fund-raiser Darren Hodgson is really going that extra mile in memory of his father.

The 41-year-old from Thirsk is preparing to run the Greater Manchester marathon in Trafford later this month.

His dad Tom died at the Lambert Memorial Community Hospital in Thirsk, five years ago and Darren has always wanted to do something to say thank you to the hospital staff that cared for him.

A Thirsk man born and bred, Tom spent over 20 years of his life visiting patients and staff at the Lambert every Sunday while delivering newspapers.

And Darren is hoping to raise £2,620, the equivalent of £100 per gruelling mile of the marathon.

“I have decided to dedicate my first - and probably last - marathon to raise funds for the hospital in order to help them give other people like my dad the very best of care and comfort, when they need it the most,” he said.

Suzi Campbell from South Tees Hospitals Charity said: “We wish Darren good luck with the marathon and much appreciate his efforts which will benefit future patients at the hospital.”

To sponsor Darren visit https://www.justgiving.com/Darren-Hodgson2/ or send a text donation to 70070 then in message add the code DMCH75 plus the amount you would like to donate up to £10 in figures.