If you’re looking for a good reason to step up your fitness regime this autumn, there’s still time to register for a charity place at the Bournemouth Marathon Festival which takes place in a month’s time.

Macmillan Cancer Support is the official charity partner of the running festival, now in its second year, which takes place on the weekend of October 4-5.

But if you are not sure that taking part in one of the running events is for you, then maybe you will be inspired by a Bournemouth man who ran last year in memory of his father.

Martin Skirth, 37, completed the half marathon in 2013 in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

“After my father Dennis Skirth lost his brave battle against lung cancer in 2011, my life felt empty,” said Martin.

“But when I heard about the Bournemouth Marathon Festival, something inside told me I should enter and raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

“They had given such wonderful support to my father and our family in the two and half years he was fighting his illness.”

Martin, who works for Anglian Home Improvements, has decided to run the full marathon this year.

“I want to challenge myself even more because I know that people living with cancer are challenged on a daily basis,” explained Martin.

“Since entering this year’s event, the support Macmillan gives has become even more evident to me as my new partner’s mother has had throat cancer. She is now in remission and I know the support Macmillan has given her has helped her remain strong and positive.

“For me there is not a single person who does not know of somebody that has been affected by cancer and unfortunately some don’t have the support of family and friends. Nobody should suffer alone, and with the fantastic work Macmillan do, nobody has to. That’s why I am running for Team Macmillan.”

If you have been inspired by Martin’s story, then visit run-bmf.com to register for a place with Team Macmillan.