Former soldier Mike Buss is facing the toughest challenge of his life by running 100 marathons in 100 days to raise £1 million for Help for Heroes.

He begins the 100 days on June 16 in Swindon and the challenge will take him all over the country.

In preparation, the 35-year-old former Army physical training instructor, who lives in Highworth, is completing the Brighton to London 320.

This means he runs 320 miles, including 120 miles from Swindon to Brighton, the Brighton and London marathons and then back home to Highworth.

He said: “I will have no rest days. I do have a support team but I don’t like to rely on them too much as they are volunteers.

“My aim is £1million by 2014.”

He said he is also setting up an online competition to win a Chrysler jeep which he has been given.

Part of the £1 million for Help For Heroes will go into the Gazette’s appeal to help build a personnel recovery centre at Tidworth.

Four of the 100 marathons will take place at RAF Lyneham from July 11 to 14 when Mr Buss runs on a treadmill over the four days at the RAF base.

County group co-ordinator for Help For Heroes Bernice Brady is very pleased that Mr Buss has chosen Lyneham for part of his challenge.

She said the idea was to put the treadmills outside the gym, for example in the back of a Hercules.

“He really wanted to tie Lyneham in because he is local,” she said. “It is really great that he is coming here.”

To donate, visit Mr Buss’ website at www.mike-buss.com.

Mr Buss supports Help For Heroes because he knows from personal experience how hard it can be for service personnel to adjust to civvy street.