A VARIETY of running events has raised more than £4,000 for charity in memory of a Somerset man who died from Covid-19 earlier this year.

The Wilson family said goodbye to Andrew Wilson, on January 31 2021.

Andrew spent much of his life in Taunton with wife Caroline, who he was with for 37 years. He worked as a gardener for Taunton Deane Borough Council for 25 years and helped the council with their Taunton Flower Show display.

The pair then moved to Cannington, where Andrew won gold twice for Cannington in Bloom, and then retired to Nether Stowey.

Andrew tested positive for coronavirus on New Years Day, and died a month later at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton.

READ MORE: Family thank Musgrove ICU for looking after Taunton man who died from Covid-19

Bella Wilson, Andrew's daughter, said: "We were very fortunate that the staff at Musgrove did everything they could to help dad in such awful circumstances.

"The family critical support team not only helped us connect with dad, but they helped us as a family beyond words. To this day they still email and check in with us. That is not in their job description.

"They are quite frankly incredible and we want to do something to show them how special they are and how grateful we are."

And so Bella and her family and friends took part in a running challenge in Portishead at the end of last month to raise money for Love Musgrove.

Twelve people took part in a half marathon, four people ran a marathon and Bella's partner, Sam, is also completing a five marathons in five weeks challenge.

Bridgwater Mercury: RUN: Bella with her team running for Love Musgrove in memory of her dad, Andrew Wilson

Portishead Pilot Gig Club, of which Bella and Sam are members, also completed a 10k row, 20k run with a 20kg bag and an 100k cycle.

"I know dad will be looking down at us and laughing at the thought of us running," added Bella.

"Dad was so kind, generous and would light up any room he went in. I know us doing this will be a way of us celebrating the incredible man he was.

"Plus in his words the staff at Musgrove are 'magic' and people need to know how amazing they are.

"The past six months have been so incredibly hard and we can't thank the team at Musgrove enough for the support they have given us at this difficult time."

Bridgwater Mercury: RUN: Bella with her team running for Love Musgrove in memory of her dad, Andrew Wilson

So far, the running challenges have raised £4,413 for Love Musgrove.

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/andywilson66.