A man who pledged to run 13 marathons in memory of his sub-editor girlfriend has completed his first run.

Adrian Norsworthy undertook the marathon, on the Isle of Anglesey, last weekend in a charity challenge to honour Sarah Veall, who died of cancer aged 39 in June.

Sarah worked on the Redditch Advertiser, Hereford Times and Worcester News during her career.

Adrian ran the coastal route, including a 2,246-foot ascent up Holyhead Mountain, in four hours and 58 minutes.

Adrian Norsworthy, right, will run 13 marathons in memory of partner Sarah Veall, left

He has already topped his £2,000 fundraising target for Worcester’s St Richard’s Hospice, which supported Sarah throughout her illness.

Further marathons are planned in the New Forest, on Sunday 22 February; Telford, in March, Worcester and Llanelli; both in April; Milton Keynes, in May; and Liverpool, in June.

Further runs will be confirmed later in the year.

Said Adrian: ““It was 26.8 miles of mud, rocks, strong winds, hills and Holyhead Mountain twice all while wearing a backpack of kit.

“I loved it though – it was a trail marathon so very little road running, very different to anything I had done before and much slower.”

To donate to Adrian, click here.