AN RAF serviceman, who has raised more than £200,000 for charity, is planning to embark on his final long distance run in memory of his son who died from cot death.

Flight Sgt David Leatham, has already won a Promise and Fulfillment Award from RAF Odiham for his services to charity, will embark on a 65-mile run round the Isle of Wight in April.

The money he raises will go the Lullaby Trust which supports families who have lost babies and toddlers to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) or SUDC (Sudden Unexpected Death in Childhood).

David has been raising money for the Lullaby Trust since he and his first wife lost one of their four sons Andrew to cot death.

“This is my drive and incentive to make sure other families don’t have to go through the same thing,” David said.

The Isle of Wight Challenge takes place on April 30 and David is attempted the gruelling challenge for the second time having been forced to pull out two years ago after 50 miles.

“I felt like I’d let Andrew down by not finishing and I don’t like to be beaten. This course will also mark my retirement from long distance running as I will be 50 this year and leaving the RAF.

“I will definitely continue to raise money for charity but after this one I will be looking to run shorter distances and be more team orientated.”

David has been in the RAF for 33 years as a medic and has served in Bosnia and Afghanistan during that time.

He lives in Tilshead with his wife Barbara who he met while in the RAF.

To sponsor David and support the Lullaby Trust visit justgiving.com/David-Leatham3