AN INSPIRATIONAL Ilminster man is set to out-run his learning difficulties when he takes on the Taunton Half Marathon.

Michael Wills, who has Asperger’s Syndrome and attends Sweet Surprise cafe sweetshop for young adults with learning difficulties, was inspired to take on the 13.1-mile feat after his mum’s battle with cancer.

He will be flanked to his two close friends Adam Haimes and Steve Miller, and is set to raise more than £550 for charity.

Michael said: “Last year my mum got diagnosed with lung cancer, so I thought I just wanted to help people, and that is how I decided to do this.

“I had done a 5k here but after that I didn’t consistently run for anything. It has been good and we just managed to do a 15.2km run.

“Managing the diet is also a real challenge but I am tempted to eat.

“We have got a Just Giving page with a target of £550 but we have raised other money as well.”

The group were looking to run the Cardiff half marathon, but after a clash of dates they brought the challenge a little closer to home.

Adam Haimes has been training with Michael and will be running alongside him on Sunday, April 2.

He said: “I find great inspiration in Michael. He always keeps going and never lets anything hold him back.

“He always rises to the challenge. It would be easy in his position to give up but he is absolutely amazing.

“We decided we would do the Taunton half marathon only two months ago so he has had a lot less time to prepare. I am really really proud of him.

“He is a smashing lad and he is always volunteering. He is involved in the carnival club, he works on Victorian Evening and he helps with the Ilminster Midsummer Experience (IMEx).

“Michael is a popular member of the community who volunteers at Henhayes Centre in Crewkerne working in the kitchen feeding the elderly, also a keen Thespian involved in productions in Chard and Ilminster drama society.

“He is a real asset to Ilminster and some local public help would mean the world to him and help a fantastic cause.

“Our other friend, Steve Miller, works at Leonardo and has managed to raise £270 already. I think Michael deserves every penny we raise. He is a very selfless individual. This is such a huge achievement as Michael could not run a mile six weeks ago.”

The money raised will go to MacMillan cancer charity. To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Michael-willsy.