A man from Marlow is set to take on an epic walking and climbing challenge while raising money for hospice patients in memory of his brother-in-law.

Mark Parsons will walk around 150 miles and climb more than 3,000 metres in aid of the Michael Sobell Hospice, in Northwood, after his wife brother, Brian Thatcher, died at the hospice after a chronic illness.

He will start his challenge at Marlow Bridge at 8am on May 24, walking from the iconic bridge to the source of the Thames, and then scale the Three Peaks of Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis, before returning to Marlow one week later.

Speaking about why he was supporting the hospice, Mr Parsons said: “Dignity and care at the end of our life is something we all hope for, but when we sought this for my wife's brother Brian, I was surprised to find that the hospice is part-funded by the charity and not fully funded by the NHS.

“Michael Sobell Hospice looked after Brian and his family with such care in his final week of life, that my eyes were suddenly opened to the importance of our hospices – and so I want to make a contribution to its £1.6m annual fundraising target.

“Brian stayed one week – that means my ambitious target is to raise £2,500 – the cost of one week’s care.”

Mr Parsons has smashed his target, raising £3,000 so far. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/markjamesparsons.