A teenager has raised nearly £700 to prevent people suffering as his grandmother did.

Gabriel Segall, 17, who lives in Tuxford Close in Borehamwood, took part in the Watford Half Marathon on Sunday to raise money for Parkinsons UK.

His grandmother, Norma Segall, suffered from the debilitating condition for 25 years, and succumbed to it last month, aged 78.

This was his first ever competitive race, and the student of Elstree UTC competed the 13.1mile course in two hours and 13 minutes.

Gabriel said he was very pleased with his time and had very much enjoyed the race.

He said: “This was a really good first race and I was pleased with my time. I was a little stiff and sore afterwards but that's all part of the job.

“I think my Grandma would be very proud of me had she been alive to see me run. She watched my Dad running in races in the past running to raise money to combat Parkinsons Disease and would be pleased I am following in his footsteps.”

Gabriel has so far raised £613.00, which is more than double his original target, and hopes to hit the £700 mark by the end of the week.

He added: I'd very much like to thank all my family, friends and a few very generous members of the community for their donations and support.”