A DAD is going the extra mile for the Stroke Association.

Robert West, from Shoebury, will take on the Morrisons Great North Run on Sunday, September, 13, to raise vital funds for the charity.

Mr West, 35, was inspired to take part in the half marathon after his fatherin- law, Frank Jones, had a stroke in 2006 which badly affected the right side of his body and his speech.

The fundraiser, a fraud investigator, said: “Frank was a very active man who loved his gardening. Stroke had such a big impact on his life, and it was something that affected our whole family.

“Since his stroke, he’s slowly been getting back into gardening, but he realises it’s something that may take some time. I now want to raise as much as possible for the Stroke Association, so it can continue help stroke survivors like Frank.”

The world’s leading half marathon, the Great North Run, was first staged in 1981 where just over 12,000 people took part on the 13.1 -mile course from Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields, with entries reaching 57,000 people in 2014.

Mr West added: “I enjoy running and I’m hoping to get to the finish line in a good time. My training is going really well and I’m aiming to finish the run in one hour and 45 minutes.

This would be 20 minutes quicker than when I ran the Great North Run in 2011. When it comes to the big day, I know I will have Frank in my mind, spurring me on.”

Liz Williams, events manager at the Stroke Association, said: “With about 152,000 strokes a year in the UK – that’s around one every threeand- a-half minutes – it’s vital we have people like Robert who can raise funds for people affected by stroke.”

To sponsor Robert, visit j u s t g i v i n g . c o m /Robertwest666