THE remarkable Graeme Ballard has completed an 18-mile run for charity after being given only a week to prepare.

The 31-year-old Paralympic sprinter suffers from cerebral palsy, which affects both sides of his body, and because he usually doesn’t run further than 400 metres the task was was well outside his comfort zone.

Now, having covered the Rainbow Ramble in three hours 18 minutes alongside his cousin Craig, the Legacy Rainbow House is set to benefit by around £400 in sponsorship money.

In all the 300 runners are hoping to raise £25,000 for a charity that specialises in providing services for children with brain injuries, disabilities and life limiting conditions.

The Chorley Athletic Club member is currently putting the final touches to his sprint training, having been named in the Great Britain squad for the BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester at the end of May.

He will once again contest the 100m and 200m races after winning two silver medals in the events last year.