An Oxford resident marked his 70th birthday milestone by striving to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), drawing inspiration from the memory of his late father, afflicted by the same disease.

Mr Roger Springall, of James Street, Oxford, took a leaf out of a friend's book who raised substantial amounts for a cancer charity last year by walking 30 miles.

Now Mr Springall has set out an ambitious challenge for himself, which was to run 70 miles in a month with a fundraising target of £1,000.

His efforts exceeded expectations.

He reached his 70-mile mark on April 21, managing to raise more than £1,400.

Mr Springall has said: "As I still had another week or so to go, it seemed the right thing to do was to keep going."

He then set a higher goal of running 100 miles, which he successfully achieved on May 1.

His efforts have thus far gathered more than £1,500 for MNDA.

Not planning to stop, he is all set for the Oxford Town and Gown 10k race on May 12.

Mr Springall said: "I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve received, and I’ll be wearing my MND running shirt for the Town and Gown so hope people will still contribute."

Those interested can support the cause by searching for Mr Springall on justgiving.com.