THE owner of a Highbridge-based health and safety company marked an emotional milestone after completing his 100th marathon event.

Jerome Timbrell, who runs C2 Safety, completed his 100th trek in Kent on May 6, running a 100-mile race in 23 hours and 24 minutes.

Mr Timbrell, said: “I am elated to have completed my 100th marathon.

“It’s been a hard journey with many a torturous road, but I’ve had a smile on my face every step of the way.”

Mr Timbrell was the victim of an armed robbery in 1997 and suffered from PTSD, which led to him gaining 13 stone in weight.

The brave runner had bariatric surgery in 2007 and received his place to run in the London Marathon for the British Obesity Surgery Patients Association (BOSPA)in 2008, and said he immediately dedicated himself to the training.

Mr Timbrell added: “Once our children were born, I knew that something had to change if I was going to be around to see them live their lives

“BOSPA wanted the marathon place to go to a surgery survivor like myself and I managed to raise £1,400 for them.

“To be honest, raising money was very difficult due to the stigma that overweight people endure.

“I committed to marathon training and completed the London marathon in four hours and 43 minutes, and decided that it needed to be life-changing, so I booked the Berlin Marathon for six months later.”

The keen runner has run a variety of marathons all over the world and has run two 100 mile ultra marathons.

He also trained to run from John O’Groats to Lands End but could not compete after he was told he had testicular cancer and needed to have surgery.

Mr Timbrell added: “It was a tough time but I got through it.”

Mr Timbrell’s determination inspired his wife Catherine to complete her first marathon this year.

“I am overjoyed that my wife Catherine was inspired to complete her first marathon,” he added.

And Catherine said: “I just can’t express how proud and in awe I am of him.”