A DETERMINED fundraiser is preparing to kick-start a project that will see him complete a series of challenging events in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Elliott Rosoman plans to complete every Reebok UK Spartan event this year, in memory of his mum, Wendy, who died in 2011.

Wendy fought cancer and won for many years after experimental treatment was successful.

But her kidneys were left damaged and she needed regular dialysis.

Wendy had myeloma and amyloidosis which precipitated kidney failure and she suffered an infection which lead to septicaemia.

Elliott, 23, of Head Street, Halstead, has set himself the mammoth challenge after watching her determination on a daily basis for so long.

He said: “I think about her every day, the bravery, the fight and the determination she possessed.

“None of this would have been possible without research and the nurses and doctors who cared for her.

“Without them, my mum wouldn’t have seen my sister and I grow up. They gave her another seven years.”

Not only is Elliott planning to tackle all four UK Spartan Races, he is hoping to head to Paris and Canada to compete theirs.

He is also tackling the Maldon mud race and as many tough mudder events as he can squeeze in to his packed run schedule, which he has labelled Project Leonidas.

Elliott added: “I have always loved anything physically demanding and this is a personal challenge for me.

“With challenges like this, even if you don’t succeed you are testing yourself and it makes you stronger.

"At the moment I am running three days a week, and then working on strength conditioning three days a week as well, with one rest day. 

"It will be tough, but I am looking forward to it."

Elliott, whose sister works for the meningitis and septicaemia foundation, lost his mum while he was just a teenager, but knows she will be in his mind as he competes, acting as an inspiration and spurring him on when it gets tough.

He added: "I will think of her when I am running. 

"Her bravery, and what she went through hardly compare to a bit of pain in my legs and being short of breath. 

"She was brilliant at everything she did, she had a huge IQ and was part of Mensa, her general knowledge was really impressive and my dad always wanted her to go on Mastermind. 

"Everything she did was relentless, and she always accomplished whatever she wanted throughout her life."

For more details visit Project Leonidas on Facebook or donate through www.justgiving.com/fundraising/projectleonidas