A DEDICATED runner has clocked up more than 400 miles in memory of his mum.

Ian Burdett has completed eight ultra marathons in eight months to raise money for Worldwide Cancer Research.

The gruelling fundraiser has seen Ian run 420 miles, with an elevation of more than 50,000 feet.

He said: “I think you enjoy most of it and there are moments where you think ‘what on earth am I doing?’

“You keep thinking you are going to be pleased and you will be disappointed in yourself if you do not finish.

“You are delighted when you do finish and that thought of getting to the end and the feeling at the end is a big buzz.

“This year, completing the challenge, raising money, and thinking of the people that were struggling or those who had passed away is a big incentive.”

The married dad-of-two has regularly pulled on his running shoes since April having only taken up running in his 50s.

Including training runs, he has clocked up 1,700 miles on his way to completing his memorable challenge.

His calendar of events has seen him complete the Highland Fling (53 miles), West Highland Way Race (96 miles), Lakeland 50 (50 miles), Glenmore 24 (80 miles), John Muir Way Ultra (31 miles), Bennachie Ultra (31 miles), Jed 3 Peaks Ultra (38 miles) and Glen Ogle (33 miles).

The challenge has also given Ian, who lives in Longniddry, a chance to raise funds for the charity, which funds discovery research worldwide that aims to lay the groundwork for cures for cancer.

Christmas will mark 30 years since the East Lothian Council social worker’s mum, Angela, passed after being diagnosed with skin cancer.

Ian said: “In the last four or five years, I have started running and getting more and more into it.

“A year or two ago, I joined Haddington Running Club and started the year with a couple of races.

“I got contact by a friend who I have known since I was a teenager.

“He is 59 and I am 58 and we have known each other for 40 years.

“He said he had got diagnosed with bowel cancer and had to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

“He is due to have an operation very soon.

“It reminded me that it is coming up 30 years since my mum died of cancer.

“It was Christmas she died and it is coming up in a month or so.

“I said to him that I was running an ultra-marathon in April and I would do it for him and that developed into doing it for my mum too.

“There are a number of people I know who have got cancer or had it and I thought I will maybe try to do it.”

To support Ian and make a donation to Worldwide Cancer Research, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ian-burdett2