An endurance runner completed six laps of a six-mile loop around Houghton, St Ives and Hemingford – and has suggested that it becomes an annual event.

Raoul Monks was cheered on by friends and family on Easter Sunday as he took on the 
challenge in aid of Crohn's and Colitis UK.

The 35-year-old finished the 36 miles in four hours and 23 minutes – a time most people would be happy with for a marathon.

“It was a really, really lovely day,” he said.

“I'm planning to do this on an annual basis and turn it into an event, not just me doing it, but a community effort to get people running.”

A handful of runners joined him for parts of it, including Mr Monks' 65-year-old dad Colin. Others joined in on bikes, including Lloyd Howard from Houghton.

Incredibly, the run was a warm up for two more long-distance runs, including the London to Brighton 100k, about 62 miles, 
on May 24.

Mr Monks, of St Ives Road, Houghton, is raising money for Crohn's and Colitis UK in memory of his friend Christian Appleby, who had Crohn's Disease.

He raised about £450 on Easter Sunday which, added to 
donations already made, brought his total to about £1,000.

INFORMATION: To support Mr Monks, visit www.justgiving.com/Raoul-Monks-Christian-Appleby.