CHARITY fundraiser Malcolm Thompson got more than he bargained for by running 42 miles from his Haverhill home to Ipswich Town's Portman Road ground for the Multiple Sclerosis Society – his knee in a brace!

The 46-year-old started the run at 9am, on May 3, and completed 33 miles that day before resting at Hintlesham Hall and completing the remaining miles the next day, arriving at midday, in time for Ipswich's final game of the season against Hull City.

He ran for the MS Society in honour of Ipswich Town legend Kevin Beattie and his wife Maggie after the ex-player became honorary president of the Ipswich Town Independent Supporters' Club, of which Malcolm is chairman and founder.

A troublesome calf injury picked up en route proved a problem for Malcolm who, after completing the run and raising £750 for the charity (so far), later developed a serious problem with a knee.

He said: "This has to be without doubt the hardest challenge I've done but sadly on May 6, I was seeing a consultant at Addenbrooke's Hospital as my knee, which I had an operation on 20 years ago, had swelled up."

Malcolm was fitted with a leg brace and is waiting to learn the full extent of the injury.

Thanking everyone for their help, Malcom said: "Kevin Beattie told me he was proud of what I had done for him and that is just so nice to hear and makes all the pain worthwhile."

People can still sponsor Malcolm on www.justgiving.com/northstander.

steve.barton@haverhillecho.com