A DAREDEVIL postman ran 147 times up Kidderminster's Sion Hill to raise thousands of pounds for a good cause.

Town postman Shaun Marshall ran 44.25 miles up and down the infamously-steep hill on Saturday (July 11) in a 12-hour fundraising feat for KEMP Hospice.

Speaking after his 'Hell on Sion Hill' challenge, the 46-year-old former Marine said: "It was as difficult as I thought it was going to be. I managed to get up the hill 147 times and ran 44 and a quarter miles. It was tough.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Shaun completed the 'Hell on Sion Hill' challenge in aid of KEMP HospiceShaun completed the 'Hell on Sion Hill' challenge in aid of KEMP Hospice

"The support I've had has been unbelievable. People were driving past and bibbing or stopping at the bottom of the junction to donate money. I felt like a footballer or something - I couldn't believe it.

"As much as I thought 'this is too hard', I knew I couldn't give up."

After setting out to raise £1,800, Shaun has already collected more than £3,000 in donations with help from Shuttle readers and local businesses, including Hartlebury-based agricultural parts supplier Bepco, which agreed to match funding donations up to £200 to help him hit his overall target.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Shaun tracked his progress on the Strava running appShaun tracked his progress on the Strava running app

Hewett Recruitment also pledged its support towards Shaun’s efforts in aid of its 40@40 Challenge, which bids to mark the company’s 40th anniversary by raising £40,000 for local charities.

The firm matched donations up to £100 for KEMP, while Stourport-based Rotary Creative Group produced flyers and t-shirts to promote the challenge.

Charlie Homer, head of fundraising at KEMP, said: "We cannot thank Shaun enough for all the money he has raised to support our free specialist care.

"This was another gruelling challenge yet Shaun continues to amaze us with his powers of endurance.

“With the help of Bepco, Hewett Recruitment and Rotary Creative Group there has been a great community effort behind Shaun, so it was wonderful to see his fundraising total smashed.”

Shaun is now looking forward to his next mammoth challenge - a Double Ironman Race consisting of 281.2 miles next May.

To donate towards Shaun's Sion Hill fundraiser, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/shaun-marshall14.