Whilst many local people undoubtedly enjoyed huge personal achievement last Sunday at the Bath Half Marathon, either raising hundreds, or thousands of pounds for charity – or even if it was just running a personal best, few could say that they have not been amazed by the efforts of Radstock's very own 'Marathon Man', John Reynolds.

John has often appeared in the media, both locally and nationally, for his huge running feats – both the mileage he has covered and the amount he has raised for his seven chosen charities over the last ten years is staggering – over £70,000 in total.

Yet, ten years ago, the after-effects of radiotherapy left John struggling to walk just a few feet. As he says himself, "Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined ten years ago that I would have achieved all of this." Mile by mile, John made his recovery, first by learning to walk again and then by running, bit by bit, later taking on half marathons and then completing ultramarathons and his first 100+ mile run four years ago. In 2012, he broke the World Record for the longest run in a week, which saw him cover 440 miles in six days in freezing temperatures and with just four hours sleep.

Last year, John completed the London Marathon before running all the way home, back to Radstock – a total of 192 miles in 56 hours.

The Journal caught up with John at Oakhill Primary School last Thursday, five miles into his latest epic challenge, which was to run 206 miles, a mile for every bone in his body to raise awareness for the National Osteoporosis Society, based in Camerton, and one of both John's and the Bath Half's chosen charities. John was joined by friends and fellow runners on various legs of the 206-mile route, which saw him cover parts of Somerset, Gloucester and Wiltshire and running overnight with just a few ten or fifteen minute power-naps to get him through. During his four-day challenge, which began in Radstock, but ended with the Bath Half Marathon on Sunday, John stopped off at seven schools along the way to talk to children about his running adventures and the importance of staying fit and healthy.

John was joined on his first five miles by nine-year-old running friend and pupil of Oakhill Primary School, Maisie, who ran to her school with her running hero that morning, before taking part in her lessons. He then spoke to her classmates about his experiences, including that of running with the Olympic Torch in Frome. Not put off by her longest-ever run, Maisie then joined John on Sunday as he ran back into Bath, around the Royal Crescent and other landmarks in the city, before making his way to the start line of the Half Marathon. Maisie was waiting for John and later crossed the finish line with him to complete his challenge – a very special moment for them both.

Speaking this week, John said: "It was an amazing experience to visit the local schools en route and to share my running experiences with the children – their enthusiasm and responses were priceless. I have been invited back to several already to give further talks about the benefits and adventures which can be gained in the involvement of sport.

"The run over the last three days gathered huge support as it progressed. On Friday night, the Mayor of Bath very kindly held a civic reception for us before we headed out into the evening to cover the run through Gloucester and on Saturday lunchtime, we stopped in the grounds of Bowood House and were greeted by Lady Lansdown, who very kindly brought us a lovely hot meal to prepare us for the long afternoon and evening ahead.

"It was another amazing run, bringing so much inspiration and enthusiasm to our region."

As if last week's challenge wasn't enough, John is now planning a 'Coast to Coast' run, which will take place throughout the rest of the year and will see him cover England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales – a total distance of over 1,000 miles. John works full time and juggles the planning of these huge runs, which alone takes him months and are organised with great precision and laminated timetables! During this time, he will be calling in at schools along the way and letting those he has already met track his progress.

Amazingly, John very recently underwent surgery for a hereditary heart condition. Rather than give up when he noticed his training was struggling back last December, he pushed himself to run faster instead, something which doctors tell him may have saved his life, as the extra air was forcing a collapsed artery to open. Rather than take it easy, he was told to start exercising again within a week – truly inspirational.

Readers can still show their support for John by visiting: http://www.justgiving.com/John-Reynolds206">www.justgiving.com/John-Reynolds206 or by texting JOHN27 £2 to 70070. For all of his latest adventures, you can follow him on Twitter: @marathonmanjohn Either way John, we'll all be following you – every step of the way.