A Sidmouth service engineer has raised £500 after running a half marathon in aid of a young father who is preparing to make a life-changing trip to America.

Nigel Maeer, 32, of Ladymead, ran the Torbay Half Marathon at the end of June in the first of three charity ventures for Matt Rackley, who has a brain tumour.

Nigel worked with Matt before he knew of his condition and decided to fundraise for him as soon as his illness was revealed.

He finished the marathon in one hour and 49 minutes – 480th out of the 2,000 runners which took part.

“It went really well,” said Nigel. “I was quite surprised at how well I did.

“The race had a very hilly route – it was mega hard so I am quite proud.”

The money Nigel raises will be donated to Matt, who needs to take a trip to the States to undergo pioneering treatment.

Known as ‘brain proton therapy’ – the procedure will not be introduced in the UK until 2017.

Nigel is hoping to raise as much as he can to add to the £120,000 needed to pay for Matt’s trip and treatment.

He is hoping to run the Bridgewater Half Marathon and Bournemouth Marathon later this year, and is running a consistent 14 to 15 miles in his quest to conquer the latter race.

“I am feeling confident about the Bridgewater race,” he added. “The Bournemouth run is quite daunting. I have been getting some good support.”

For more information on Matt and his fundraising efforts, visit his online page: www.justgiving.com/mattsfunding.