A SOUTHAMPTON-based firefighter has completed his challenge of running 40 marathons in 52 weeks, raising more than £40,000 in honour of his best friend

Last year, Andy Piller, 39, from West End set himself the tough challenge of completing 40 marathons before he reached the age of 40, all while trying to raise as much money as possible for local charity Leukaemia Busters, in memory of his best friend, Richard Williams, who passed away of the illness at age 29 in 2010.

After successfully running 20 full marathons, Andy suffered a reoccurring calf injury and doctors advised him against continuing with the challenge, but still determined as ever, the 39-year-old changed the challenge to include a further 40 half marathons, to make up the total distance in more frequent but shorter bursts.

On Monday May 25, Andy was "overwhelmed by the support" of family and friends as they watched him complete his final half marathon, raising a total of £42,505.44 so far for the local charity.

He said: "It was amazing, the whole journey was such an emotional rollercoaster, but completing it in Rich's memory is what spurred me on, it's what got me through the hard times.

"I was overwhelmed by the support from my friends and family throughout the 13.1mile route, with people showing their support at different stages of the run and I think I shed more tears than sweat during the last stage of the challenge.

"It’s been a fantastic and memorable journey, to reach this amount and this achievement is something I will never forget. I hope Rich is proud of what I have done in his memory although he is more than likely looking down shaking his head saying you are crazy!

"I'm still planning on running now that the challenge is over but not quite as much or I think I'd end up in a wheelchair!"

The former Hampshire Fire Officer, who now works for West Sussex Fire, completed the final half marathon in 1 hour and 36 minutes, running across West End and Eastleigh dressed in a banana suit, and surrounded by family and friends from a distance.

This is just one of the challenges Andy has set himself in order to raise money for the Leukaemia Busters charity, including running a seven-day triathlon and organising charity golf events.

To donate to the cause, visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndyPiller.