Running one marathon is a huge achievement, but running 26 in 26 days is a feat of human endurance and determination.

Retired fireman, Grahame Shaddick, 53 from Calne, is taking on this challenge in aid of Prostate Cancer UK, running a total of 874 miles from John O’Groats to Lands End.

Grahame said: “One of my closest friends from the fire service, Graham Rooms, found out he had aggressive prostate cancer on the day he retired from the fire brigade, late last year.

Graham and I had worked together for ten years as part of the Urban Search and Rescue team.”

“I felt I just wanted to do something that would help to make a difference.

“I’ve been running more seriously over the past three to four years and decided to push myself to take on the ultra-marathon. It will mean I’ll be covering about 30-42 miles a day.”

He added: “Sometimes I feel really buoyant about what I’m taking on and other times I feel absolutely terrified.

“It’s not a bucket list desire of mine, more something I need to do. I’ve been fortunate to have taken part in three canal runs, including the Bristol to London run, so have some experience behind me.”

He added: “I have pre-booked bed and breakfasts along the way, which are completely out of my own pocket, so every penny I raise will be going to the charity.”

Grahame is a member of SMaRTT in Calne, a running and triathlon club.

He said: “This is really helping me to prepare for the run and find my own pace.”

Grahame will be running from the 19th of May until the 13th of June.

For more information on the challenge or to donate see Run John O’Groats - Lands End for Prostate cancer UK on Facebook.