A DAD will be taking on his eighth marathon in honour of his father-in-law who died.

Richard Prior, from Colchester, will be lacing up his trainers again for next year’s London Marathon.

He is running in memory of his father-in-law, John Knox, who died suddenly in June.

He said: “John came to watch me at every race, no matter how small.

“He had a sudden heart attack so I wanted to run in honour of him and the British Heart Foundation.

“He was only 70 when he died. It was a shock as he was a key member of the family.

“When we experience things like this it makes you want to do whatever you can to help.

Richard is no stranger to these challenges.

He has taken on half marathons and full marathons for years and does not plan on stopping.

He said: “It started about six years ago, I did some half marathons and raised £5,500 for a heart charity.

“Then I raised £500 by doing the marathon for a local girl with epilepsy.

“This will be my eighth marathon and I’m doing it because I genuinely care.”

“Sometimes in life you just want to talk about something positive and John was there to support me.”

He is hosting fundraising events and spiritual evenings to boost his total.

His mother-in-law Lynne, wife Khamsin and daughters Phoebe, Amelie and Leah will be supporting him along the way.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-prior11.