A store manager has just nine kilometres left to run in his personal challenge to run 100km and raise £1,000.

Steve Collins, who works at The Co-operative Food – The Hard, in Portsmouth, has been getting up at 5am most mornings and running five to six kilometres before going to work.

The going has been tough for the relatively inexperienced runner but he has reached the £1,000 target with just nine kilometres left to go. All funds will be donated to NHS Charities Together.

Steve, 56, from Cosham, said: “I, like so many others, have been truly amazed and grateful for all the fantastic work being done by our wonderful NHS workers, often putting their own lives at risk to help others.

“I was inspired by Captain Tom and wanted to add to his success with my own challenge. I only thought I’d raise £500 but to get to £1,000 is incredible.”

Steve, who describes himself as a jogger not a runner, only started jogging last year when he was challenged to completed the Great South Run.

Steve, who is a Store Manager at the branch next to Portsmouth Harbour which is part of Southern Co-op, said: “I couldn’t back out and, after a lot of effort, I managed to complete it on the day. But that was only 16km! To me, running can be quite relaxing as you get to clear your mind but this challenge has been hard especially getting up early every morning before doing a full shift at work.

“It’s not been easy as I’ve had a lot of pain including a nasty blister and a lost a toe nail. But I’m so close to the end and want to thank all of my friends, colleagues and customers who have supported me so far.

“Thinking about the amount of money we’re raising for the NHS has kept me going. They work so hard. This is my way of saying thank you.”

To find out more or to support Steve, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/steve-collins0021 or ask in store.