A DAD from Amesbury has created his own local marathon route after organisers were forced to cancel the Southampton marathon.

Dad-of-two Nathan Freeman, 31, was due to run the ABP Southampton marathon on June 21 but it was cancelled due to coronavirus.

Instead, Nathan will run 26 miles on July 11 alone to honour his fundraising commitment to Salisbury District Hospital's Stars Appeal.

The resource manager decided to fundraise by running the Southampton marathon to give back to the hospital for the "brilliant" care they give his eldest daughter, Robyn, aged five, who has the genetic disorder NF1.

Writing on his Just Giving page Nathan said: "Robyn was born with a genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis type 1 which was caused by a faulty gene which developed spontaneously.

"NF1 is a genetic condition that causes tumours to grow along your nerves and can lead to other health problems.

"We currently attend regular consultant check-ups and MRI scans at Salisbury District Hospital where the support we have received has been fantastic and because of this I plan to run the Southampton Marathon in aid of Stars Appeal.

"The Stars Appeal helps patients to have the best hospital experience possible and it also supports the cost of a new MRI scanner, both of which Robyn has and will benefit from over the years.

"Any sponsors would be gratefully received to encourage me on my way, no matter how big or small.

"Robyn is my absolute world and I know that she will get me through those 26 miles."

Nathan will run a custom made route that starts and finishes at home.

It will see him run solo from Boscombe Down, through Allington, Idmiston, Porton, Gomeldon, Winterbourne, Laverstock, out towards Petersfinger, down Southampton Road, up into Harnham, down the town path, up past the train station and down Devizes Road, Ashley Road and out onto Castle Road.

Then he will head home via Stratford sub Castle, through the Woodford Valley and back to Boscombe Down where he will finish to a cheering crowd on his doorstep.

Anyone who would like to support him can do so at https://bit.ly/38Dtmgt

Article written by Michelle Morgan Davies