A WREXHAM runner is taking on his maiden marathon to follow in the footsteps of his grandad.

The Chester Marathon marks the final step in electrician Ryan Merrill's mission to complete the 2024 Chester Triple Medal.

All this is for a cause close to Ryan's heart - Nightingale House Hospice.

Ryan's challenge will be in memory of his late grandad Kenneth Merrill, who was cared for by the team at the Wrexham hospice.

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This year Ryan, 28, has already completed the Chester 10k and Chester Half Marathon - with October 6's marathon the final step in his Triple Medal mission.

With a goal of three hours and 30 minutes, Ryan said: "I haven't done any marathon races before, this will be my first so I am slightly nervous but I have completed a handful of half marathons and a fair few 10ks. I have been putting the training in so I'm confident I am going to complete it.

"My motivation for running Chester Marathon was finding out my grandad was a keen runner back in his younger years and he completed a handful of marathons himself, so I thought there was no better way than to follow in his footsteps and raise some money along the way.

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"My grandad, who we sadly lost in September 2022, wasn't in Nightingale House for long but we were grateful for the hospice in the time he was there and also the support we received after.

"Nightingale House is massive in the community, as it has a personal touch to many. Having somewhere like Nightingale House so close and on our doorstep means families can spend as much time as needed with close ones at tough times without that extra worry of travel."

Ryan is working hard in training, putting in three to four runs per week ahead of the big day.

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He says the race will be tough but worth the effort, adding: "My motivation is going to be thinking of my grandad and also my family and friends cheering me on! I've heard that once you hit the 20-mile mark you can hit a dark hole, so I'm hoping I can keep the pace up and cross that finish line in good spirits.

Chloe Deacon, supporter engagement fundraiser at Nightingale House, which has shops in Wrexham, Mold, Buckley and Oswestry, said: "We are so grateful to Ryan for taking on the Chester Marathon for us.

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"Every step he takes and every penny he raises will go towards helping patients and their families at the hospice.

"We could not do what we do without wonderful people like Ryan. We have an amazing hospice supported by an amazing community."

• If you would like to support Ryan, visit his JustGiving page: tinyurl.com/4bjh5yv7