INSPIRATIONAL 84-year-old marathon runner Don Bristow was devastated to learn three years ago that he had Parkinson's Disease.

But far from sitting around and moping, Don, who only took up running at the age of 69, has continued to keep fit and plans to take part in November's Mob Match in Falmouth to raise money for the charity Parkinson's UK.

Don, who lives in Herniss, says he isn't fit enough to run properly but says he is determined to make it round the five mile course any way he can.

"I'll jog, walk or even crawl round the course," he said. "I'll try and do as much of it as I can because I am trying to get as much money as I can get."

Mr Bristow, who is a member of Hayle Running Club has set up a Just Giving page and has set his target as £250, although he hopes to raise more.

Falmouth Road Runners who organise the event which takes place on November 22 in Falmouth, has agreed to put a collection box on the registration desk to allow people to make a donation.

"I don't usually do things like this," said Don. "Me and my daughter ran the London Marathon for CLIC and we were sponsored by Specsavers. We raised about £700"

Don has been going down the gym at Ships and Castles, where the instructor has been devising a special work out for him.

"Ships and Castles is very important," he said. "The staff have done a marvellous job in managing to keep it open."

Don took up running when his daughter Clare Bristow came out of the army and wanted to go running herself.

"I didn't want her to go out on her own on those dark country lanes," said Don. "So my wife suggested I went out with her. I ended up getting back before she did and I've never looked back."

At the age of 69 ran the London Marathon in a time of 5 hours and 20 minutes. The next year, at the age of 70, he went back and did it again in under 5 hours.

He has also run the Cornish Duchy Marathon twice and the Cornish Marathon twice. He is hailed as a legend at his local club.

But then just over three years ago, whilst running at Sticker, the top half of his body suddenly leant over to one side and he couldn't straighten himself up again. He went to the doctors the next day and was eventually diagnosed with Parkinsons. This was 12 months after he had also been diagnosed with arrhythmia of the heart.

"It is something you've got to fight," said Don, a former national serviceman with the Wiltshire Regiment. "You cannot just sit down you've got to fight it. I had a couple of friends who were diagnosed with Parkinsons who have just passed away but they hadn't been active enough. They just sat around doing nothing. I am determined to have a few more years yet."

You can donate to Don at his Just Giving page at justgiving.com/runnerdon

For more details on the Mob Match go to falmouthroadrunners.co.uk/mob-match