A “hero” grandfather is challenging himself to run 10 half marathons in 10 months in memory of his friend who recently lost his battle with lung cancer.

Chris Dyson of Garner Road, Walthamstow, is on a mission to raise cash for Cynthia Spencer Hospice in Northampton where his lifelong pal Andrew Jackson spent his final days.

The pair first met nearly 30 years ago when they were housemates and kept in touch after Mr Jackson, who worked as a lawyer, moved to Cambridge.

“When I’m running I think about Andrew,” said the 51-year-old builder.

“I want to help the hospice and I think this will help me deal with his death.”

Andrew, 55, passed away in October and was survived by his ex-wife and three children, Daniel, Sam and Georgina, who are all in their 20s.

Mr Dyson’s best man at his wedding in Las Vegas in 2011 was Andrew’s brother Tim who he said is “full of support” for his fundraising campaign. The grandfather-of-two has enlisted the help of his daughter-in-law Laura Hussey to help him reach his target of £850.

“When he told me I was surprised but I wasn’t worried because he’s very determined and he’s one of those people who will always get the job done,” said Mrs Hussey.

The father-of-two’s biggest supporter is his five-year-old grandson Mason who will be cheering him on from the sidelines.

“Grandad is my hero,” said Mason. “I think he’s very fast and I know he’s going to do his best.”

To donate to Mr Dyson’s campaign visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-dyson67.

“He was very light-hearted about it. It’s a big thing for someone of 51 to do and he deserves all the applause he can get. He is selfless and he loves to challenge himself.

“He wanted to do one half marathon and then thought, I might as well do 10.

“My husband is a physiotherapist so he has lots of support around him to keep him going. I 100 per cent believe he is going to do it.”

The Victoria Park Race on March 3 will be the first leg of Mr Dyson’s journey and after each marathon he will only have a few weeks’ rest before the next challenge arises.

Mr Dyson added: “I have done a few half marathons before but this is going to be my biggest challenge. I run every morning with my laradoodle Sydney.

“When Andrew when into the hospice and passed away his sister and his mother said how wonderful the staff had been.

“It was very sad and I wanted to help. His sister and his mother are very religious and that sort of helped them.”