A GWENT marathon runner is taking inspiration for his biggest ever challenge from a child diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Chris Woods, 57, from Corporation Road, Newport, has been running marathons and climbing mountains as his hobby for the last 20 years.

His dream is to do the UK Three Peaks challenge - climbing Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis in 24 hours back-to-back with the Welsh Three Peaks, Snowdon, Cadair Idris and Pen-y-Fan in 12 hours.

When family friends Jon and Helen Cook told him their son Elijah had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, it gave him the motivation to take action.

Now Mr Woods is gearing up for the challenge over three days from July 8 to raise money for cerebal palsy charity Scope.

He and three other friends hope to raise £1,000 between them. They are looking for sponsorship from local people and businesses.

The team includes Dean Roberts, from Blaenavon, and the father and daughter team of Martin and Jenny Cochrane, from Pontypool.

Mr Woods said: "I've wanted to do this for years. When I heard Elijah had cerebral palsy it was the motivation I needed."

Elijah was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at just 18 weeks old. His mum, Helen, said: We were devastated when we found out. But the doctor explained Elijah only has a mild case."

Now Elijah is a lively two-year-old. He has some motor problems with his left side and has trouble grasping objects with his left hand.

Mrs Cook said: "It's fantastic that Chris is raising this money for Scope. We have not needed help from the charity yet but it's good to know we aren't dealing with this alone."

Mr Woods said: "Knowing you are doing it to raise money for a good cause keeps you going."

The Six Peaks will be a tough walk including more than 200 miles of driving between peaks. Mr Woods said: "It's basically like doing two marathons with most of it uphill."

Helen and Jon Cook will be waiting with Elijah at the end of the course in Brecon to cheer Chris over the finish line.

You can sponsor Chris via www.justgiving.com/gowithscope