A Leominster dad is in training for the challenge of a lifetime.

When David Hill runs on the Great Wall of China later this year he will be remembering his little boy.

Stephen Hill had an incurable illness and died just before his seventh birthday in June 2000.

The youngster and his family had a lot of help from the Acorns Children's Hospice and now David is setting out to raise a bumper sum - £5,000 - for the hospice.

"Stephen died at home but spent a lot of time at Acorns - they have a brilliant team.

"I have kept in touch with them and I am keen to try and put something back," said David, known to his friends as 'Crocket.'

A full-time carer for his three children, he works out at the Leominster gym and is putting in some serious training for very good reason.

The challenge he faces in October is a gruelling one. He will run 64 miles on and over the Great Wall at the rate of 16 miles a day for four days.

Some of the ancient wall snaking through the mountains of China is very steep and includes many steps.

David says he couldn't prepare for the testing experience without the support of Carol and Russell Hill, his mother and stepfather. The couple, of Kenwater Close, Leominster, are helping with fundraising and are giving a lot of encouragement to the man with the mission.

lDavid Hill, of 27 John Abel Close, Leominster, welcomes sponsors. Supporters can sponsor him via his website - www.justgiving.com/crocketinchina