A LARGS man was spurred on by his marathon-loving wife to complete a month-long charity running challenge.

Shaun Caulkett, 43, signed up to run 31 kilometres throughout July for Great Ormond Street Hospital, despite not having any real running experience.

He says he was inspired to take up the challenge after watching a documentary about the charity on TV.

Shaun explained: “I stumbled upon the show and when I began watching it, I saw the kids.

“When you take a look at what they’re going through it’s honestly heartbreaking. Nobody should have to deal with that, especially children.

“I was speaking to my wife at the time about some sort of charity challenge and I thought I would this a bash. Tunning a kilometre a day is nothing compared to what they go through.

“The hospital doesn’t get much money from the government and they rely a lot on donations to keep their services going, so I wanted to try and help"

Originally from Zimbabwe, Shaun and wife Claire, 44, who is a keen marathon runner, have lived in the town for 15 years.

Shaun says his spouse - who has completed marathons all over the world - was a major motivation.

He said: “This was my first ever time doing something like this, and although I’m not a runner, it went well and I hope it’s going to kickstart me to get fitter.

“I was only meant to run a kilometre a day but sometimes did six or seven as I was enjoying it so much.

“Claire has completed marathons in Boston, Chicago and London to name but a few, and she really spurred me on. We are hopefully now going to do the 10k Great Scottish Run together later this year.”

Shaun says the support from family and friends has been fantastic - with donations also coming in from complete strangers.

He said: “I have raised £315 so far but I’m waiting on a lot of cash coming in now I've crossed the finishing line so to speak.

“A lot of people said they would donate at the start of August, so I hopefully won’t be too far off the £500 mark soon.

“Family and friends have been fantastic in raising money for me, and I’ve actually had two donations from strangers online too."

Anyone looking to donate can do so at www.facebook.com/donate/403820471708729/10226577162348266