A firefighter from Ulverston took on a marathon challenge in the heat last weekend in honour of his grandad.

Sam Coulson, a member of the team at Ulverston Fire Station, put himself through the Windermere Marathon on Saturday, May 18 alongside his dad.

Read more: Cancer survivor's Windermere Marathon challenge for charity | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)

The pair were raising money for the local hospice that cared for his grandad, also called Sam, towards the end of his life.

Sam said: "At the beginning of the year I set my mind on running the Windermere Marathon.

"Also at the beginning of the year, my Grandad Sam was receiving end of life care from the wonderful staff at St Mary’s Hospice.

"The care both him and our family received from everyone at the hospice was amazing and I would like to take this opportunity to raise some money in return."

The Westmorland Gazette: Sam took on the marathon to raise money for St Mary'sSam took on the marathon to raise money for St Mary's (Image: St Mary's Hospice)

His grandad sadly passed away on January 21, which meant the run at the weekend was all about paying tribute to his memory.

Read more: Furness and South Lakeland Freemasons marshal Windermere Marathon | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)

Sam and his dad battled the sweltering conditions to reach the finish line and have so far raised £1,230.

Having originally set a target of just £500, the support Sam has seen has been a sign of the community coming to his aid, as well as the love locals have for the hospice itself.

A spokesperson from St Mary's paid tributes to his efforts, with the funds set to be used as a vital resource to keep the hospice looking after other people.

They said: "Despite the heat, both Sam and his Dad absolutely smashed it.

"Everyone here at St Mary's Hospice are very grateful and proud of you, Sam."

They also took the time to remember his Grandad, branding him as 'precious' after caring for his needs earlier this year.

The Westmorland Gazette: Grandad Sam, who the pair were running in honour ofGrandad Sam, who the pair were running in honour of (Image: St Mary's Hospice)

You can still show your support by donating here.

This year, the Windermere Marathon was shifted from Sunday to Saturday in the hope that it would encourage more people to take part.

The decision ultimately had the desired effect, with the number of runners rocketing from 450 to over 750.

At the time of writing, the event has brought in over £90,000 thanks to the individual participants, such as Sam, with hopes that this figure could reach £125,000 before fundraising is finished.