A FATHER-of-three has returned home after completing a hat-trick of 90km marathons to raise money for good causes.

Matt Luff, from Barton, finished the ultra-marathon – the Comrades – for a third year in a row, this time raising nearly £1,000 for the Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust in South Africa.

The 33-year-old account director was awarded a Bill Rowan medal for completing the arduous run in a time of 8hr 32min.

In 2013, Mr Luff raised money for SSNAP, the charity which supports the special care baby unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital, completing the race in 10hr 43min.

Last year, he raised funds for a charity called WellFound, which provides clean water and sanitation for countries in West Africa, and finished the ultra-marathon in 10hr 38min 27secs.

This year he smashed the time having run more than 1,600km in training.

He said: “I first got into running a few years ago, part of a bit of a lifestyle change from overeating and drinking in my younger days.

“When I did the marathon the first time I saw around the course that people were in need, and wanted to raise funds but didn’t really know how.

“But I heard a speech in January and realised that I’ve gained so much from the region where the race takes place, but was unaware of the scale of challenges that exist on the doorstep, including HIV and Aids.”

The money raised will go towards some of the centre’s projects, in particular its respite unit. Aids victims admitted to the unit often have nowhere to else to turn.

Mr Luff completed the race from Durban to Pietermaritzburg and passed the centre located in the Valley of 1000 Hills, where it is estimated between 40 and 60 per cent of the population live with HIV.

Mr Luff added: “Running for the trust and raising money, which will make a real difference, inspired me on the route. I felt a real boost in my speed when I ran past the centre.”

Bekky Stredwick, from Headington, who gave the speech that inspired Mr Luff, said: “Matt saw some of our projects first-hand before the race and we are glad that this inspired his amazing achievement to win a medal.

“The money will be used to fund our work with vulnerable and orphaned children and adults affected by HIV in KwaZulu Natal.”