A Sale dad is on a mission to run 50 races in the year up until his 50th birthday in support of a cause close to his heart.

Martyn Cassidy is aiming to raise hundreds by taking on the challenge in support of Francis House Children's Hospice.

The 50 races include a combination of road runs and trail runs with a distance ranging from five kilometres to a half marathon. Mr Cassidy, who is a quantity surveyor, is up to 15 races after he completed the half marathon at Capesthorne Hall over the weekend.

Francis House Children's Hospice in Didsbury, Manchester, is a cause close to his heart after his daughter, Rebecca, a student at Ashton on Mersey School, told him about an assembly in which she learnt about the work done for those with life-limiting conditions.

Mr Cassidy said: "This challenge has given me a chance to break the cycle of years of entering one event, training for it, then slobbing about for the rest of the year.

"I want to see what I am capable of if I push myself a bit more. The results have been noticeable. After a few weeks, I am feeling fitter and healthier, and the races give me something exciting to look forward to each weekend. I have set two new personal bests."

Mr Cassidy added: "My fantastic family gifted me a medal rack for my birthday which is straining from the weight of all the shiny objects hanging from it.

"Of course, I didn’t embark on this journey just to get medals and fast times. I wanted to raise funds in the process and thanks to family, friends and colleagues I have already smashed my target of £500 with more than £865 in donations."

Julie Williams, fundraising officer for Francis House Children's Hospice, said: "It is thanks to people like Martyn we can continue to give families a break from their role as carers and the children and young people some independence and fun experiences whether it is in their own home or at the hospice. 

"It is lovely Martyn has chosen to support Francis House Children's Hospice after hearing about us at Rebecca’s assembly. We wish him luck with the challenge."

For information go to justgiving.com/page/martyn-cassidy-1679919080139. 

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.