A keen runner is taking on his toughest challenge yet as he aims to run seven marathons in seven days to raise money for charity.

Shawn Leek, from Colchester, has run ultra-marathons before but admits he is daunted by the prospect of running 182 miles in just one week, all in aid of St Helena Hospice.

His challenge will begin with a route from the hospice to Great Bentley Running Club, which he is a member of, on Monday April 20, before he moves on to Ipswich with a route ending up in the town centre.

He then goes on to Bungay and three other courses around the region before he finishes with the London Marathon on April 26.

An engineer by day Shawn, 40, fits in training around a busy work schedule and his family of wife Debbie and two children.

Shawn said: “I have been running for about ten years and have done about 12 marathons and a couple of ultras – not that you would think it to look at me.

“I have been thinking of doing this for the past two or three years. I turned 40 last year and the missus thinks it’s some sort of mid-life crisis – I’m not too sure myself.

“Finishing with London will be a big help to me, because by then it will be pretty tough. But I love a challenge.

“I want to get more and more runners joining me on different days to help me along.

“I chose the hospice because some friends have used hospices in Ipswich, and a lot of people have links to it, and I just wanted to support my local one.

“I would love to raise as much as I can, hopefully at least £5,000 and maybe £10,000.

“There’s apprehension and it is daunting, but excitement because it’s getting closer.

“There will be a lot of hurt but it is worthwhile, and I will crawl round if I have to.”

As well as getting sponsorship for his marathon challenge, Shawn is also organising other fundraising events including a charity golf day.

To donate prizes or run with him during the challenge email him at shawnleek@hotmail.com.

You can track his training at his blog site or donate at his JustGiving page.