Despite not being able to run one mile without wheezing last year, a councillor on Sunday put 100k between himself and inactivity.

In October 2014, Cllr Syed Enam Ahammed, 37, ran the first of eight races in his bid to run 100k in one year.

On Sunday he returned to that race, the Royal Parks Half Marathon, completing it in two hours and 35 minutes and raising £130 for Scope.

Syed, who lives in Gurney Close, Barking, said he hopes to encourage others to lead healthier lifestyles.

“I’m not a sporty person but I wanted to do something I’ve never done before,” he said. “When I started running I had to change my lifestyle.

“I started eating healthier food, going to the gym at least twice a week and going to the free park runs in Barking Park.”

Since then, Syed has raised cash for seven different charities including British Heart Foundation and Age UK despite juggling his fitness push with council duties, a postgraduate law qualification at London Metropolitan University and a retail job at West Cornwall Pasty Company.

“I’d like people to do more activity to improve their health,” he said. “It doesn’t need to cost anything – just take some extra time our of your daily life.

“I always find the time to do my jogging or go to the gym by making a daily routine.”

You can add to Syed’s total raised for Scope on Sunday by donating at http://bit.ly/1VNnaZW