Above & Beyond

Every now and then we come across people who really go that extra mile. They're cropping up more and more: creative fundraisers who will not be bested by the enormity of their challenge, nor are they phased by the prospect of raising tons of cash for their chosen charity. They just get on with it.

Today's Mr Incredible is Andy Willis from Southampton. Andy decided that it would be a cracking idea to do 26 marathons over a two year period. He's already completed the London Marathon and Isle of Wight Marathon, so there's only another 24 races to go.

He plans to run at least one every month between now and his final race, the 2009 Flora London Marathon, raising a grand total of £15,000 for Help the Hospices.

Andy made the decision to do this in recognition of the care a friend's daughter is receiving from Naomi House Children's Hospice near Winchester:

“I felt that just running one race wasn’t doing enough, so I came up with the idea of a marathon of marathons. I really wanted to do something extra to help hospices and show my appreciation for the great work they do. It’s going to be tough, but I’m confident I can pull it off.”

Andy, we salute you.