A DETERMINED student has embarked on a gruelling challenge in memory of his godfather.

Sam Richardson set out running 876 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End on June 24 to raise cash for two charities close to his heart - Macmillan Cancer Support and Ipswich-based St Elizabeth Hospice.

But his journey has been less than easy and after 100 miles, he was told to stop running.

Mr Richardson, 23, from Ipswich, said: “Basically I ran 100 miles and had a very swollen back and ended up in hospital. After various tests I was essentially told to stop so I bought a bike to continue the challenge putting less strain on my back.

“So far I have covered 522 miles on both foot and bicycle and the challenge has become more of a triathlon as I plan on swimming 800m when I reach Land’s End.”

By the end of the challenge Mr Richardson, who completed studying for a degree in business management at Norwich’s City College this year, will have run 300 miles, cycled 576 miles and swum 800m. He has been travelling with only a backpack, tent and sleeping bag and was joined by his brother Matt Richardson and friend James Bass over the weekend when the trio tackled 106 miles in just 48 hours.

Mr Richardson was inspired to take on the challenge after his godfather Gerald Johnson died last September having battled with cancer on four occasions.

He was support by Macmillan Cancer Care nurses at Ipswich Hospital and spent his final few days at St Elizabeth Hospice.

Mr Richardson added: “I’ve received great support so far however my target of �2,000 is still a long way from being reached so I really need people to get behind the challenge and support me.”

Visit www.sponsor-me.org/joglerun2012 to sponsor Mr Richardson.

n Are you taking on a charity challenge? Call newsdesk on 01473 324790 or e-mail starnews@archant.co.uk