Any charity run, walk, cycle or swim is admirable but to take it to the extremes and travel on-foot from the top to bottom of the country could even spread into the realms of crazy.

For Mr Gordon to take on the this ultimate challenge is a major feat and one to be extremely proud of running from John O’Groats to Land’s End in six-weeks – and all the while dressed as Forrest Gump.

Not only is Bicester’s answer to Forrest Gump raising money for charity, but he’s spreading a little cheer along the way.

It is moments and people like this that help to shed a little bit of light and positivity back into what can only be described as a tragic loss of a young boy’s life.

The 42-year-old is running the 837-mile route in memory of nine-year-old Thomas Laurie, from Langford Village, who passed away in February last year. Thomas had battled Cockayne Syndrome since being diagnosed in 2007 with the rare genetic condition that causes premature ageing.

Having met the family before Thomas passed, Mr Gordon knew of Thomas’ struggle and has dedicated many marathons and charity runs to his memory.

He has now run the Milton Keynes marathon, Loch Ness marathon, Reading half marathon, Edinburgh marathon, Oxford Half marathon, Dirt Half marathon in Leighton Buzzard, Liverpool half marathon, Brighton marathon and the Chester marathon since starting in 2011. An impressive achievement and one to be applauded. It is important to remember those we have lost in such a positive way, but also to help raise awareness of their struggles and work for to help find a cure.

Through Thomas’ tragic tale comes a story of inspiration and dedication that has helped many others in his position through treatments and hospice care. A huge team of people fundraise alongside Mr Gordon and Thomas’ family – parents Cath and Richard Laurie and 13-year-old sister Ellie Laurie – and have raised around £40,000. A story which came from heartbreak has been turned into one of admiration, inspiration and dedication.