A COTSWOLD father-of-two is hoping to run, walk and swim 1,001 miles in a year to raise money in memory of his late brother-in-law.

Up until last autumn 48- year-old Neil Waterman, of Little Compton, had not run more than 100 metres in the last 30 years.

But after his 47-year-old brother-in-law David Smith died in September last year after suffering with bi-polar disorder, he wanted to do things they had both often talked of doing.

Mr Waterman, who works for Red Bull Racing, is well on his way to completing his challenge, which has already raised about £2,500 for Wings for Life, a charity funding research into cures for spinal cord injury paralysis.

Last month he cycled 500 miles over five days when he made his journey to work and back – from Little Compton to Milton Keynes by bike.

He said: “I wanted to do things that would make him [David] laugh – running and cycling would definitely make him laugh – and to give something back.

“He was the most wonderful man. I was very close to him. He was very close to my family too. It deeply affected us all.”

Mr Waterman is hoping to raise as much money as possible until he completes his challenge.

His next event takes place on Sunday, June 24, when he will cycle from Little Compton to Portsmouth and back, stopping off at a Royal Navy, Airforce and Army bases.

Proceeds from the 234- mile cycle ride will go towards Wings for Life and Help for Heroes. For details or to donate, visit bmycharity.com/1001.