After years of sponsored marathon running and raising thousands of pounds for charity Llandrindod Wells shopkeeper, Mike Hodges, has decided he will make his final big effort this year.

To date Mr Hodges has run 156 marathons and half marathons.

This year he is undertaking a four month fundraiser for Cancer Research. It started with the Race for Life in Aberystwyth earlier this year and will include six marathons ending with the Snowdonia Marathon on October 26, which is also Mr Hodge’s 65th birthday.

He has been inspired, as like many others, by family members who have been effected by cancer.

Mr Hodges has not set a total for his present fundraising effort but he and his wife Margaret are proud that they have been able to raise in excess of £80,000 since 1989 for many different causes, both local and national.

Mr and Mrs Hodges have both entered the Cardiff Half Marathon as a one off, as part of the fundraising efforts. They have, as usual, a collection bucket in their shop, Hodges Food & Wine, in Llandrindod Wells and any donations would be gratefully received.