A 36-year-old man will take on a gruelling 28-mile coastal marathon to raise money for charity, in memory of his mother who passed away from skin cancer in June.

Mark Hill from Chalfont St Giles is planning to do the Dover Coastal Marathon, which tests runners’ endurance over roads, grass, mud, sand and rock, in January for mum Shirley, who died aged 65 after the cancer spread to her brain and spine.

He is fundraising for the British Skin Foundation and Thames Hospice, which helped to care for his mother towards the end of her illness.

He said: “I am determined to do something to honour her and raise some money for the charities close to me.

“[Thames Hospice] even threw a little pre-wedding family party as Mum was going to miss my wedding. I would like others to have this same support if ever put in this unfortunate position.”

Mark is a seasoned runner, having taken on the London and Brighton marathons within two weeks of each other, to raise money for the British Skin Foundation.

He added: “It’ll be a very different experience for me compared to road running, taking on beaches, cliff climbs and ups and downs, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

He has raised £638.75 so far. To donate, go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/markhill_dovercoastalmarathon.