The daughter and son-in-law of a man who died from a rare heart complaint are attempting to run 5,000 miles in his memory.

Tim Fleming, who lived in Isleworth , died suddenly aged 69 last year from the condition aortic dissection.

His daughter Catherine Fowler and her husband Keith have set themselves a mammoth fundraising mission to help other sufferers.

They aim to run a total of 5,000 miles between them this year, including races and training, in aid of the charity Heart Research UK.

That's the equivalent of more than half a marathon every day.

Catherine, 39, said her father always believed in a level playing field and she was taking on the challenge to give those with aortic dissection a "fair chance".

Keith and Catherine Fowler described their fundraising mission as "an epic challenge for an epic man"

"Dad was an amazing husband, an incredible father and grandfather. We all miss him so much, and it makes the pain all the more difficult to bear when we understand that AD is something that could be prevented," she added.

"I hope that some good can come from all this pain and sadness. I hope we can make a difference and I hope we can save a life. I only wish it could have been my father's."

Keith, 37, who is a keen runner and a member of his local club the Worthing Striders, has set himself the task of completing seven marathons and ultra-marathons this year.

He will be joined by Catherine for some of those races, including the London Marathon this April.

'I hope some good can come from all this pain and sadness'

Keith, who described it as "an epic challenge for an epic man", has already completed the demanding 28.2 mile Dark Star River Marathon in Sussex.

Future trials include the Brighton Marathon and the 50 km High Weald Challenge across rolling hills and ancient woodlands.

Keith and Catherine will be cover all entry fees so every penny raised goes towards their target of raising £5,000 for the charity.

The Milford Arms in Isleworth is holding a fundraiser in memory of Tim Fleming

Aortic dissection, which is where the main artery from the heart ruptures, affects three to four people out of every 100,000 in the UK. It can be fatal if left untreated.

Heart Research UK funds dedicated aortic dissection research and masterclasses, where cardiac surgeons can gain specialist knowledge and skills to put into practice across the country.

The Milford Arms, in London Road, Isleworth, is holding a special fundraiser for aortic dissection on St Patrick's Day (March 17), which will include karaoke and quizzes in aid of Heart Research UK.

To donate, visit www.runningforAD.org or text TIMF69 and amount (eg £10) to 70070.