AVID Blues fan Malcolm Thompson is recovering from a knee injury today after running 40 miles to watch Ipswich Town's final game of the season.The North Stand season ticket holder made the two-day pilgrimage from his home in Haverhill to Sir Bobby Robson's statue outside Portman Road to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

AVID Blues fan Malcolm Thompson is recovering from a knee injury today after running 40 miles to watch Ipswich Town's final game of the season.

The North Stand season ticket holder made the two-day pilgrimage from his home in Haverhill to Sir Bobby Robson's statue outside Portman Road to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

But his exploits took its toll when the 46-year-old suffered an injury after completing the 33-mile first leg in six hours in warm weather.

He then stayed overnight at Hintlesham Hall before attempting to complete the final seven miles on match day on May 4.

Mr Thompson said: “The run on the first day ended with me picking up a calf injury which resulted in me taking a long soak and praying that all would be okay for the next day.

“The run was now a very slow jog as I was worried that my calf would tighten up again but luckily this never happened.

“At midday, I arrived at the statue to be met by Kevin Beattie's friends and some bemused Hull City and Town fans.

“I spent seven-and-a-half hours running and I want to thank everyone who cheered and hooted me along my route - this certainly helped raise my hopes that I would complete the task.”

Sadly, the challenge had a far more serious impact on his body when Mr Thompson was forced into hospital the following day with the recurrence of an old knee injury.

He said: “This has to be without doubt the hardest challenge I have done and unfortunately I had to see a consultant at Addenbrooke's Hospital as my knee, which I had operation on 20 years ago, had swelled up. I was told that some damage may have been done.”

Mr Thompson is friends with Blues legend Kevin Beattie and decided to support the multiple sclerosis (MS) charity because of the help it has given to Mr Beattie's wife, Maggie. He has raised more than £600 so far and wants to hit his target of £5,000.

Mr Thompson said: “Kevin Beattie, who wasn't at the finish due to a back problem, told me at Ipswich Town's 30th anniversary celebratory dinner that he was proud of what I had done for him.

“It is so nice to hear and makes all the pain worthwhile!”

If you would like to sponsor Mr Thompson, you can visit www.justgiving.com/northstander.