A YATE runner will compete in 20 competitive events next year to raise funds for St John Ambulance.

Chris Hares will compete in the events, including the London Marathon, from January 2015 to raise funds for the first aid charity.

The challenge will start with the Aztec West 5km on Tuesday, January 27.

After two more events, he will run the Bath Half Marathon and then two events again later, the 26.2 mile Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday, April 26.

He will compete at 13 more events in the year including the Bristol 10k in May a 100 mile cycle for RideLondon in August and finish the challenge with another Aztec West 5km on Tuesday, November 24.

Mr Hares said: “After being diagnosed with a serious condition in 2010, I decided to get fit and started running. Now, four years later, I am about to tackle my first full marathon, 100-mile cycle sportive and other events, in the same year – I’m turning a passion for running into a fundraising effort.

“I know from first-hand experience how important St John Ambulance is to ensure the public are kept safe in case of emergency and hope my fundraising will provide great benefits."

Mr Hares, who is an operations director for marking service provider dbg in Bristol, will be fund-raising through a website he has created during the course of the year as he takes part in each event.

St John Ambulance is urging more runners to join him in supporting its life saving work.

The charity’s South West fundraising coordinator, Kevin Dickens, said: ‘I’m amazed and delighted that Chris has chosen to support our life saving work with an epic 20 events.

‘We wouldn’t expect anyone to emulate that, but runners can apply to become part of Team SJA at the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon.

‘We hope to have nearly 200 runners fundraising for it and there are still some places available.’

To support Mr Hares and make a donation visit his website at: http://challenge2015.chrishares.com and follow his progress on his Twitter page: @chrishares.