A REMARKABLE runner completed four marathons in two days in memory of a Colchester soldier.

Dave Hill started running in Gloucester and then, after more than 100 miles pounding the pavements, he switched to the saddle and cycled the rest of the way to Colchester.

His epic trip began on Wednesday and finished on Saturday with another journey, the third annual Kev's Ride.

The 50 mile Colchester based ride is held in memory of Colour Serjeant Kevin Fortuna who served with A Company, 1 Rifles, and was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan in 2011.

He had served for 20 years including two tours of Iraq and Afghanistan, four in Ireland and single tours of Kosovo and the Balkans.

He won nine medals for his exemplary service before his death.

The following year his widow Nia, and her parents Mike and Sue Jackson, of Mellor Chase, Colchester, began fundraising.

They wanted to raise £10,000 for Help for Heroes.

As of Sunday the family, with the support of people like Dave Hill, have raised £135,261.75.

They have a new goal of £250,000.

Mr Jackson, 66, following Saturday's ride, sent out his latest newsletter to all their supporters.

He said: "It was a great day for a ride of 55 miles around the Essex countryside with poppy fields in full splendour."

Mr Jackson rides on his son-in-laws former bike each year.

In 1997 Mr Fortuna cycled from Cyprus to England on the bike and then took it everywhere for 14 years.

It was repatriated in 2011 and passed onto Mr Jackson who decided even if "Kev" could not do the ride his bike could.

Speaking about Mr Hill, affectionately known to the family as Jimmy, said: "Over a period of four days he covered 213 miles, running four marathons and cycling over 100 miles.

"If this isn't one of the greatest feats of endurance and loyalty to a friend I don't know what is.

"His current personal fundraising total for the event is over £2,000 and the Grand Total over £2,500."

It is the second year Mr Hill, with his own band of supporters, has completed an epic challenge for the charity after cycling from Gloucester to Colchester the whole way last year.

To donate visit: www.justgiving.com/davehill156

Alternatively visit: www.justgiving.com/4tuna