A runner taking on seven marathons in seven days in aid of charity has said he is glad to get the first 26.2 miles under his belt.

Shawn Leek, 40, began his challenge this morning at the St Helena Hospice shop in Peartree Road, Stanway – his chosen charity for his endeavours.

A large crowd of family, friends and hospice supporters gathered to send him on this way.

The keen athlete from Great Bentley completed his first marathon in his home village, just four hours and 20 minutes after he started.

But now the engineer must look ahead to the next six marathons, starting with a course around Ipswich tomorrow and culminating with the London Marathon on Sunday.

Shawn said: “The send off was really amazing.

“All morning I was at home pacing around really anxious about getting started so for me, knowing they were there, it really took my mind off of it.

“I was really fortunate I had seven or eight runners join me at different parts of the run, at no time did I not have another runner.

“I have my support team with me all the time on the bike, but having someone running beside me is a real boost.

“A big thank you to my support team and everyone who ran with me or cheered me on.”

Shawn admitted he felt the pace of today’s run, which took him along Colchester High Street, was a little too fast given the scale of the challenge ahead – despite it being about 40 minutes slower than the experienced marathon runner’s usual time over the distance.

“It is difficulty to keep it slow, and I’ll try to slow it down tomorrow,” he added.

“It is just so good to get started. I know it is going to be really tough, and I am trying to take it mile by mile.

“I have to break down it down into smaller sections, mentally it is easier. A marathon a day, or even the whole thing, is mind-boggling.”

After completing his first run Shawn enjoyed an ice bath and sports massage in a bid to get him racing fit for tomorrow’s efforts.

So far he has raised more than £6,100 for the hospice, and he hopes the donations will pick up the pace as he ticks off the miles.

To follow Shawn’s progress visit his blog, or sponsor him on his JustGiving page.