A READING man overcame a knee replacement surgery to conquer two long distance runs, including the London Marathon, for children’s charity.

Steve Dunning, a technical coordinator at Reading-based housebuilder Vistry Thames Valley, completed two "gruelling endurance" challenges after recovering from a serious knee injury which left him unable to run long distances for four years.

Steve only started distance running again in January this year after undergoing an operation to replace the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right leg.

He decided to enter this year’s London Marathon to raise £1600 for WellChild, a national charity that supports critically ill children, allowing them to leave hospital and live life comfortably in their own homes.

To push himself further, Steve also signed up to take part in the London West Spartan Beast 21k in Henley-on-Thames just six days later.

Steve completed the London Marathon, which took place on Sunday, April 23, in four hours seven minutes and 14 seconds, putting him among the top half of the 49,000 runners who entered the race.

He said: “The first 14 miles went very well with no real issues but having only done a 12-mile practice on the build up to the race my legs started to fatigue. I had a minor hamstring pull on my left leg that forced me to slow my pace for the remaining 12 miles, avoiding cramp and further muscle pulls. It was a great experience with the crowds and music cheering everyone on through the streets.

“I had my eyes set on the Spartan Beast Race for my second fundraising attempt, but I wasn’t sure I was fit enough after completing the London Marathon so soon before. After rest and recovery, however, I decided to give it a go.”

Less than a week later, Steve conquered the London West Spartan Beast 21k on Saturday, April 29, completing the obstacle course in three hours, 29 minutes and 13 seconds.

He said: “It was a brutally hot day and was a bigger challenge than I had anticipated but a lot of fun was had. My colleagues at Vistry have been very generous when donating towards my fundraiser and I feel very grateful for their support.”

To donate towards Steve’s fundraising effort, visit his Just Giving page.