A DETERMINED runner is celebrating an incredible milestone in his fundraising journey for Rowcroft Hospice, having completed a 25th half marathon.

Geoff Pring, from Newton Abbot, set himself an ambitious ambitious challenge to run 50 half marathons before turning 50 this October.

He is marking the halfway point in a 12-month challenge that’s testing both his physical and mental endurance, while raising vital funds for local hospice care.

Geoff completed his 25th half marathon at Buckfast Abbey where he works as the Director of Visitor Experience, and he invited others to share in the milestone with him.

He said: 'I mapped out a just over one-kilometre route around the abbey grounds and ran it 20 times in three hours, with family and colleagues each joining me for a loop – including my wife, Helen, and sons, Ben and Peter.’

While Geoff is an experienced runner, taking on 50 half marathons in the space of just a year has pushed him to new limits.

‘The idea for this challenge came from approaching my milestone 50th birthday and taking the opportunity to reflect on life.

‘I've always enjoyed being outdoors - running, cycling, and walking.

‘Last year I took part in the TUI Palma Half Marathon, and I think that amazing experience was the catalyst.

‘To begin with, the biggest challenge was the physical effort. Even though I’ve been running for years, it’s taken my body a while to build up the resilience needed to run between 20 and 25 miles a week. Second to the physical effort is the weather - I don't think I've ever run in so much wind and rain!’

Despite the challenges, Geoff draws strength from a desire to give back.

He added: ‘I’ve been aware of Rowcroft's work for many years. In recent years, my wife and I lost a good university friend, Giles.

‘His death shifted our outlook on life and helped us realise the importance of valuing the time we have now.

‘We both recognise the importance of thinking not only about ourselves, but also about those around us. I know that each day I'm out there, Rowcroft staff and volunteers are supporting someone, and it’s that which keeps me going.’

With 25 half marathons now complete, Geoff is setting his sights on the finish line.

‘If I complete my 50th half marathon and reach my fundraising target, I’ll be over the moon.

‘There are times when I wonder if I've set myself too hard a target, but I always feel encouraged when a donation comes in or a message of support appears on my phone.

‘I'm trying not to think about how, at the end of my final half marathon in Torquay in October, I'll be running up the hill to the hospice itself!’

To support Geoff’s ambitious challenge by making a donation via his JustGiving page at: Geoff Pring is fundraising for Rowcroft Hospice.

In September, Geoff will be taking on the Torbay Half Marathon as part of his challenge and is encouraging others to join in and raise funds for Rowcroft.