A POOLE man is tackling four races over four weekends to raise funds for Forest Holme Hospice.

Stuart Beck has taken on the challenge to mark his wife Linda’s 46th birthday. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2005 and over the past nine years has undergone radiotherapy, chemotherapy and countless operations.

He has chosen to mark the occasion by running four races on four Sundays between September 28 and October 19. He will be clocking up 46 miles in the Solent Half Marathon, Bournemouth Half Marathon, Studland Stampede and Salisbury Half Marathon.

“Linda has bravely battled on for nine years and throughout all of this Forest Holme Hospice has provided Linda with amazing support and care,” said Stuart.

“Her (and our) life is so much better because of them,” he said.

Kate Mosses, community and events fundraiser said: “We are so grateful to Stuart for taking on this challenge in support of Forest Holme Hospice.

“It’s because of fundraisers like Stuart that we are able to provide exceptional specialist care to our patients, and we are so grateful for his support.”

Stuart had agreed to match each donation pound for pound and he has already raised more than £400 for the Poole hospice. To support Stuart visit justgiving.com/sbeck152 The hospice in Seldown Road cares for 1,600 people each year and needs to raise £2million over the next three years in order to continue providing specialist palliative and end of life care. For more information and to get involved call the fundraising team on 01202 670644.