THE return of Horndon Feast and Fayre next week (Saturday and Sunday, 25 and 26 June) will see a remarkable fundraising effort by a veteran soldier from Pitsea who was injured while serving overseas almost three decades ago.

James Price, 50. will be running the route of the fayre's popular 10 K event for 24 hours over the weekend to raise money for BRAKE, the road safety charity.

He is doing it in memory and tribute to family friend, Jake Wilkinson, 21, who lost his life in a local road traffic accident. Jake was the only son of Sharon and Colin Wilkinson who both run with one of James' running clubs, Phoenix Striders.

Jake with mum Sharon

James was injured while serving in Bosnia in 1994 with the Royal Anglian Regiment, with who he served two tours of duty in Northern Ireland during the troubles. He is now a dedicated utra marathon runner who often takes part in charity events.

He said: "Sharon and Colin are lovely caring people and they were naturally devastated by the loss of their only child.

"I decided to create this charity endurance run in memory of Jake and to help Sharon and Colin through these times in a very small way.

"Hopefully the event will be a celebration of Jake's life while raising important funds for the charity who provides support to family's and victims of road traffic accidents.

"I will be getting full support from my main running club, Pitsea running club and also help from the runners from Phoenix Striders."

If you would like to contribute to the run, you can do so via James' fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/james-price39

The full timetable for the Feast and Fayre can be found here: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/feast-and-fayre-is-fast-approaching-137382