The son of a much loved teacher who died after a battle with cancer is running a marathon in his memory.

Peter Richardson died on November 19 2019 in Bolton Hospice, aged 69, having taught for many years at different schools in Bolton.

Mr Richardson taught at Withins Comprehensive school for most of his career, including many years spent as the deputy head teacher for the school, as well as teaching at Bolton County Grammar.

His son, Simon Richardson, 47, was due to to run the Bolton Marathon on its return this Sunday in aid of Bolton Hospice.

This was going to coincide with his father’s 70th birthday on Saturday May 16.

However, with the marathon cancelled due to the coronavirus, Simon, like many others, will not be able to officially take part in the much anticipated event this year.

However, he has not allowed this to affect his determination to run the marathon in his father's memory, whilst raising funds for the hospice.

Simon will be running a full marathon near his house in his village of Bloxham, in Oxfordshire, to replicate the distance of the Bolton race.

He has called this challenge the "NOT Bolton marathon", with a Just Giving page set up to help him raise funds for the event.

He explains his reasons for determining with the challenge despite the cancellation of the marathon, saying: "Bolton Hospice do an amazing job, they looked after my Dad during his final days, we couldn't have asked for a better location, staff or volunteers.

"As we know the majority of a Hospice funding is via charity, in the current climate they are not receiving the amount of donations needed.

"My dad died on November 19, almost exactly six months before his birthday on May 16.

"Call it coincidence or serendipity, May 17 was also the date for the Bolton Marathon, the first time it has been run in 33 years and its main charity beneficiary is Bolton Hospice.

"There was simply no way that I could not enter, then covid-19 came along, I made the decision to continue training."

Simon's sister, Emma Davis, 44, who still lives in Bolton, said: "Dad was much admired by his ex-pupils, their parents and colleagues, as well as by mum, Simon, and I.

"Simon's run this weekend is both in memory of him and also to pay back the hospice for the wonderful care they provide to people like my dad and families like ours.

"We are overwhelmed by everyone's kindness."

Simon initially set a fundraising target of "a few hundred pounds", with £1,770 raised so far.

For more information, or to donate, visit justgiving.com.