It’s a picture that tells a 1,000 words.

One man’s incredible determination to beat all the odds as he tries – and succeeds – to achieve his own sporting miracle.

This is a picture of Jeff Waters taken 400 metres from the finish line during Sunday’s Stroud Half Marathon.

It shows him clearly in pain as he struggles to complete the 13-mile course assisted by his daughter Rebecca

It’s not surprising that Jeff was suffering of course because as the 57-year-old told The Local Answer last month, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis some 20 years ago which means a simple jog around the garden can require a lot of effort.

Amazingly, Jeff believes he has been one of the “lucky” ones over the years.

“I’m lucky because I’ve got slow progressive MS,” he said. “Other people who get MS can end up going straight into a wheelchair.”

Just as amazingly, Sunday’s race was the 36th time that Jeff had taken part in the Stroud Half – he’s competed in every running of the event – and just like the previous 35 he was able to cross the finish line.

“As you can see by the picture I was in quite a bit of discomfort but I got over the line under my own steam,” Jeff said.

“The cheer at the end for me was quite something as everyone could tell I was struggling.

“The last three miles were a struggle, especially as my left leg kept going into spasm.

“My time for the race was two hours, 22 minutes. I was a little disappointed as I wanted two hours 10 minutes, but look on the bright side, I have another year to prepare for the next one!”

So what’s next for Jeff?

“I’m resting up now for two weeks to give my body time to recover,” he said. “My next race will probably be a 10k early next year.”

Meanwhile, Jeff’s daughter Rebecca ran the Stroud Half in one hour, 55 minutes.