A PROLIFIC runner is jetting off to Florida to complete his 37th marathon in support of a cause close to his heart.

Alan Webb, from Leigh, will be competing in the Space Coast Marathon on Saturday, November 24 to raise funds for four-year-old Alfie Sales, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

The 50-year-old found out about Alfie’s disorder when he was speaking to his grandad Tommy, who he used to work with in his position as a haulage company caretaker.

Alan said: “Like Tommy I am a granddad myself so I felt compelled to do something to help Alfie when I heard about him having DMD.

“I met Alfie recently and he is a lovely little lad- he's bubbly and happy.

“I have done a lot of events before but this one will feel more personal because it is for someone that I know.

“It will mean a lot for me to do this run.”

Since taking up marathon running 13 years ago he has supported causes such as Wigan and Leigh Hospice and DMD charity Joining Jack.

In that time he has also finished three London Marathons.

This year Alan has finished runs in Hull, Chester, Leicester, Snowdonia and will be running in Newcastle on Sunday before going to Florida.

It will be the second time he has took part in the gruelling heat of the Space Coast Marathon after he completed it two years ago.

Alan will be running with his Columbian friend Carlos Arboleda, who he met in Florida in 2015.

A crowdfunding page has been set up with money raised going towards making life easier for Alfie as part of the Action4Alfie campaign.

So far Alan has amassed around £1,500 through donations and sponsors.

To donate to the crowdfunding page click here.