After having two family members diagnosed with bowel cancer, a Monmouthshire man ran a half marathon every day for 100 days to raise money for charity.

James Peters, 38, also hopes his efforts to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK has encouraged people to get screened for the disease.

Members from Monmouth’s Rock up and Run, who have personal experience of family members having bowel cancer, participated in part of the final run on Christmas Eve.

Among the group were two people who ran alongside James throughout the entire final half marathon. A member of Monmouth Tri Club and a man he had met through the running app Strava who lives locally.

Another important participant in the final half marathon was Michael Locke, the chief fundraising manager for Bowel Cancer UK Wales Michael Locke travelled from Pontypridd for the occasion and joined in on the final 5k. Michael was nursing an ankle injury when the run took place so his presence was appreciated by James.

James told the Beacon: "It was nice to see people turn out particularly on Christmas eve because everybody is so busy with family and getting ready for Christmas" it’s always nicer running with someone than it is on your own."

"We might not necessarily be going for a personal best but it’s nice just to have a run and a chat once in a while."

ITV Wales featured the group’s Christmas Eve half marathon on the evening news.

James said this most recent challenge was mentally the hardest he has completed. He said, "It’s been tough but I’ve done a few other things like this before so I’m no rookie to it."

"Every morning it was a case of it doesn’t matter what the weather was doing, I just had to get out of my nice warm bed, put on my running clothes and go out into the rain and storms."

Through November 2020, James ran 1000km and raised £1,200 for Bowel Cancer UK. James said It was the most difficult challenge he has ever completed. "It was just horrible; I was hobbling by the end."

He says it will be the last challenge he does at this level as he moves towards participating in triathlons and focus’ on the other two disciplines. James has dreams of competing in the Ironman triathlon’s and will incorporate fundraising of Bowel Cancer UK when he does.

James said he was surprised by the positive impact social media platforms had on the challenge. He smashed the target of £2,000 by raising more than £2,500 and getting donations from multiple countries. James says he’s "even had donations from America!"

Through the power of social media, James also had the support of a Brazilian family who ran the final 5k virtually.

Despite raising a significant amount of money for Bowel Cancer UK over the years, James emphasises raising awareness is as important.

"I think raising awareness is important, particularly with covid affecting the screenings."

He added: "people don’t talk about bowel cancer"

"There’s a backlog now because of reduced screenings due to covid therefore, it’s even more important now to go and get a screening if you get the chance."

Even after the demanding 100 days, James states "I’m still running but not quite the crazy distances anymore"

You can still donate to Bowel Cancer UK through www.justgiving.com/fundraising/james-peters15