A KIDDERMINSTER man has marked his 70th birthday by raising £2,000 to help Kidderminster Hospital.

Jim Lawson celebrated the milestone birthday by taking part in his own 'Jimathon' which saw him cover the marathon distance of 13.1 miles on a route around Blakebrook, Franche and Marlpool.

He had originally hoped to raise £500 for the Kidderminster Hospital League of Friends, but was overwhelmed to receive over £2,000 in donations from friends, family and businesses.

The money will be used by the League of Friends to help maintain and extend health services for the town.

Jim, who is a retired steel salesman, said: “The Friends do great work supporting our hospital and this benefits all of us in Wyre Forest.

“But their revenue stream was severely reduced by Covid-19 so I thought it would be good to mark my 70th birthday by trying to raise some money for them.

“I thought we could manage to get up to £500, but the support I received was amazing and it is wonderful to have reached £2,000.”

He added: “I am particularly grateful to Kidderminster Carolians Rugby Club for agreeing to be our base on the day of the walk and the Baan Thai Restaurant as my main sponsor.

“I have been staggered by the generosity of so many people who have donated money despite the most difficult times due to Covid-19.”