RUNNING one half marathon is hard enough for most – but a Salisbury man is close to completing his eighth of the year in aid of charity.

Rufus Cannon, who lives in the city, described himself as “no real runner” – but after so far completing half marathons in London, Birmingham, Bath, Chichester, Newbury and Winchester its safe to say this statement might now be stretching the truth.

He now has two left to complete – the Cardiff Half on October 5 and the Barrow and Downs Half on October 11.

Rufus set himself the challenge to raise money for Horatio’s Garden, a charity that supports those with spinal injuries by designing and maintaining therapeutic gardens in NHS spinal injury centres across the UK.

He said he has dipped in and out of the sport over the years before he ran his first half marathon and has so far run one a month for six months. 

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“The seven others? I felt that I really had to go big in order to support such a worthwhile cause, plus I wanted to run one for each garden Horatio’s Garden has opened nationally,” he said.

“I have really learned to enjoy running whilst training around the beautiful landscape of our beautiful city.

He added: “It has been challenging, but all for a fantastic cause as spinal injury can happen to anyone at any time. The results are life-changing and devastating.

“It is critical to have an incredible garden on offer right outside the hospital ward. Places for reflection and adjustment, privacy and solace, joy and companionship for everyone who needs it.

“Every garden is a transformational part of people’s rehabilitation, with evidence that being in the garden improves mental and physical health and distracts from pain.”

Rufus will be on home turf for his last half marathon, as the Barrow and Downs Half route includes the Salisbury Plain – something he said is particularly special and poignant.

He has so far raised an impressive £1,600 for Horatio’s Garden.

Follow Rufus’ progress on Instagram at @ru_can_run.

To view and support his fundraising efforts click here or visit www.justgiving.com/page/ru-cannon-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL