Hove grandfather David Rothstein is about to complete a 681-mile challenge in memory of a close friend and in support of Parkinson’s UK.

Mr Rothstein undertook to run 52 half-marathons in a year following the death of Brian Rosehill, “a good friend, a positive and inspiring man” and a fellow Brighton and Hove Hebrew Congregation member.

“He had lived with Parkinson’s for over 30 years and self-pity was never in his DNA,” Mr Rothstein said. “I saw him just a couple of days before he passed away and despite his long illness, his death still came as a shock. Throughout his pain, he carried on with life in a normal way, challenging himself every step of the way with dignity — his thoughts were always for his family and friends.”

Although the events company director had previously completed a marathon and run for fitness, pounding the pavements around Brighton and Hove on a weekly basis had “certainly been a big undertaking”.

But he had wanted to challenge himself as his friend had.

Meanwhile, the running total of donations is edging towards his £3,000 target.

To donate: justgiving.com/fundraising/Davids52HalfMarathons
ForParkinsons