A LANGPORT man has been inspired by his mum's devastating disease to take up running.

Andrew Roberston, aged 40, is covering more than 100 miles as he competes in 11 races in 10 months to raise money for MND Scotland.

He decided to don his trainers after his mother, Anne, 65, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in October 2015.

Andrew, who is married to Catherine and dad to Euan, nine, and Sophie, six, said: "When mum told us that she had been diagnosed with MND it came as a bit of a shock, but like most things we took it in our stride.

"We went onto the internet to find out what it was, what to expect and how to deal with it.

"Our lack of knowledge has made me more determined to raise awareness and understanding of it through my fundraising.”

Andrew, who works for a plumbing supply company, has already completed Yeovil Half Marathon, Longleat 10k and Taunton Half Marathon.

He is also doing Bridgwater Bolt, Bristol 10K, Langport 10k, Martock 10k, Edinburgh and Bristol Half Marathons, The Great West Run and The Great North Run.

He said: "I decided on this challenge initially from a conversation with my boss who was going to do something similar until he got injured.

"Before this you could have called me a part-time runner. I only went out when the mood took me, not regularly.

"Then I started running as a way to unwind after work and keep fit, but only short distances, which led to me getting the running bug.

"The training is going well, but having now completed three events, it’s about maintaining fitness and energy going forward.

"I know it will be hard though, especially over the summer months when I enjoy a good BBQ, or during a wet week when I have to go out and run in the cold, wet weather.

"My son Euan occasionally comes out and does some training runs with me, which helps me get out when I’m not feeling as motivated.”

Andrew has so far raised £900 for MND Scotland - you can donate here.

Anne, who lives in Annan, Scotland, first noticed something wrong in May 2014 when she lost weight and her speech became slurred.

Following a series of tests, she was diagnosed with MND in October 2015 and has since been supported by a nurse and consultant, speech and language therapist and dietician, as well as MND Scotland.

Anne said: "I am really proud of Andrew for choosing to fundraise for MND Scotland and hopefully it’ll help find a cure one day.”