A KINDHEARTED runner has completed a gruelling marathon along the Great Wall of China in memory of his tragic nephew.

McKenzie Madison was inspired to take on the challenge after his nephew Oliver Nuttall died a month after being born with half a heart.

Alder Hey Children's Hospital cares for poorly babies like Oliver and McKenzie said he took on the marathon challenge to raise money for facilities there.

McKenzie, aged 24, of Warfside Terrace, Brandlesholme, crossed the finish line in six hours and 42 minutes — a time he was delighted with, having raised £612 so far.

McKenzie said: "I had picked up a knee injury a few months beforehand and so it was a success to make the start line, let alone the finish line.

"I'm a bit of an adventurer and, while I had done a half marathon before, I had never done a full one. I knew that there was no way I could get out of it while on the other side of the world.

"It was 36c and the sun was beating down. More experienced runners were stopping and it was a big ask to finish, but I just fought to the end."

According to McKenzie, Oliver's parents Anthony Nuttall and Jane Robinson, of Unsworth, had been told that Oliver might have health problems.

"It was still difficult for them, and the whole family to deal with after Oliver was born. He was a lovely little boy and, in his short life, he touched so many people," said McKenzie, who is a fraud investigator for Littlewoods in Bury.

Having been born at North Manchester General Hospital, Oliver was transferred to Birmingham's Hospital, where he died last October.

McKenzie said: "Oliver's death at less than two months old put my life into perspective.

"It taught me that, no matter how small a person or how short a life, you have the ability to touch the hearts of others and have an impact on them.

"So I chose to run for others, giving what I can along the way."

He added: "The training was nothing compared to what some people face in day-to-day life.

"This is why I have chosen Alder Hey, to help them carry on doing the amazing work providing a lifeline to children in need."

Not satisfied with taking on such a difficult task, McKenzie has now set his sights on four other of the 'big five' hardest marathons in the world, starting with a gruelling course in the desert of Jordan in September.

"After that, I will be going to Peru to do the Inca Trail marathon. I am training hard and am seeing a personal trainer.

"It will be a big challenge ahead, but I’m looking forward to it and I am delighted that so many people have supported me so far."

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Run-Macca to sponsor McKenzie.