A Watford FC fan will be “showing love” for the NHS by running a socially distanced half marathon on Valentine's Day to raise money and awareness for it.

Greg Bishop will be running across three hospitals in Hertfordshire on February 14 to show his support for the work the NHS is doing during the coronavirus pandemic.

The 20-year-old from Watford says he knows of “so many” people, including his family, to have been affected by Covid-19 and has put “a lot of thought” behind the run.

“The thinking behind it is that my Valentine will be the NHS, to show awareness and love for it,” Mr Bishop said.

“I know a couple of friends that work in the NHS and my Auntie actually works in the NHS as well and I just know the tireless work they are putting in.

"It's just ongoing work, day and night, and I don’t think people have put it into context how much they’re going out their way to work extra hours and put shifts in for us.

“I believe this is a perfect opportunity to raise something to say we do appreciate what you’re doing, there are people out there who want the best for you and your hard work is not unnoticed.”

Mr Bishop, who has never run a half marathon before, will run from St Albans City Hospital to Harpenden Memorial Hospital and finish at Hemel Hempstead Hospital - a total of 13.3 miles.

Hillingdon Times: Greg Bishop will run a half marathon (photo Greg Bishop)Greg Bishop will run a half marathon (photo Greg Bishop)

He is aiming to raise £1,000 for the West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust charity Raise by doing the run and has so far recieved just over £600 in donations.

He will be running by himself but will have his Dad to direct him and help should he get injured.

Mr Bishop said: “I know a lot of relatives, friends, so many people have been affected by Covid.

“The amount of people I have seen who have been affected by it, I have had cases within my family, my grandmas’ best friend, she passed away from Covid, so there is a lot of thought behind it.

“The people who have donated can relate to the fact we’ve all had or know someone who has passed away or is in a bad place from the virus.”

To see Mr Bishop's fundraising page click here