Parkrunners have praised the man who has been instrumental in setting them up around the county, as a fundraiser is set up to support him.

Rory Marriott was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2014, and is hoping to buy a Mollii Suit which would allow him movement and more freedom.

A fundraiser has been set up to help afford one of these life-changing suits, as they are £5,000 to purchase.

Mr Marriott was instrumental of the setting up of Ipswich Parkrun, and has gone on to set up various Parkruns around the county.

Ipswich Star: Rory Marriott and his wife Hilary. Credit: Hilary MarriottRory Marriott and his wife Hilary. Credit: Hilary Marriott (Image: Hilary Marriott)

Parkrun regulars have come forward in support of Mr Marriott, and explained how much Parkruns mean to them, and the work Mr Marriott has done.

Ben Howlett, 15, took part in his first junior Parkrun in Ipswich when he was just eight.

This has helped the youngster develop and compete for Great Britain at a national level in the triathlon.

He said: "Ipswich junior Parkrun was only their for me because of Rory.

Ipswich Star: Ben Howlett first took part in a Parkrun when he was eight, and has gone on to compete nationally in the Triathlon. Credit: Ben HowlettBen Howlett first took part in a Parkrun when he was eight, and has gone on to compete nationally in the Triathlon. Credit: Ben Howlett (Image: Ben Howlett)

"Despite being diagnosed with MS, he still brings smiles and joy to people's faces and still regularly volunteers at parkruns.

"He has given up a lot of his time to the local community to make running inclusive, fun and enjoyable for all.

"It would be great to give something back to a kind and generous man who has given so much for others."

Couple Peregrine and Heather Bush have become good friends with Mr Marriott and his wife Hilary since starting Parkruns 10 years ago.

Ipswich Star: Heather and Peregrine Bush are good friends with Rory and Hilary and have been since their first Parkrun 10-years-ago. Credit: Heather BushHeather and Peregrine Bush are good friends with Rory and Hilary and have been since their first Parkrun 10-years-ago. Credit: Heather Bush (Image: Heather Bush)

They said: "He is an extraordinary person.

"MS throws up challenges for him every day, but he continues to give his all to Parkrun every week.

"It's no exaggeration to say that Parkrun in Suffolk has changed our lives.

"We've made friends and it's enriched our lives immeasurably.

"The Mollii suit has the potential to transform Rory's life and it's wonderful to see so many fellow Parkrunners supporting their fundraising efforts."