Nacton, near Ipswich, man Alex Brunt raises £10,000 after 51 mile run between Sudbourne, near Aldeburgh, and Kirton, near Felixstowe

A man who ran 51 miles in a single day in memory of his dad has given thanks to his supporters – who helped him raise £10,000.

Alex Brunt’s mammoth challenge took him from Sudbourne, near Aldeburgh, to Kirton, near Felixstowe.

The run took place on March 24 on what would have been dad, Richard’s, 75th birthday.

Richard died on October 14 after a battle with bile duct cancer, but was in the care of St Elizabeth Hospice during the final week of his life.

The money raised will go towards the hospice as well as the Alan Morement Memorial Fund, a charity dedicated to research into this rare type of cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma.

Alex, of Nacton, near Ipswich, said: “From the very beginning when I decided to take on this challenge, the support from everyone has been simply amazing.

“I can’t believe how kind and generous people have been in giving their time and money to support two brilliant charities and raise what I can only describe as an astonishing amount.”

Alex’s run took him through Woodbridge, as well as villages including Washbrook, Harkstead and Bucklesham.

The route ended at Kirton and Falkenham Village Hall, near where his parents lived.

“The longest training run I had done was of marathon distance, so when we made the halfway point at Washbrook, I was entering uncharted territory,” Alex said.

However, thanks to the ‘awesome’ support of wife, Caroline – who was on her bike beside him the whole route – and his support crew, he finished the challenge, he said.

Alex added: “I hope the money we’ve raised can help just that little bit for both St Elizabeth Hospice and the Alan Morement Memorial Fund to continue to help others in the future.”

Kelly Nekrews, fundraising manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, praised Alex for taking on the challenge.

She said: “You have done incredible and have raised a fantastic amount of money, which will make such a difference to the patients and families under our care throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.”