Ref. 72590-17A SWINDON man who used to be a couch potato is now preparing to take on eight of the UK's most gruelling endurance races to raise money for charity.

The London Marathon, the Great North Run and the London Triathlon are just three of the challenges that 51-year-old Ray Stephens will face between March and October next year.

He decided to put himself to the test before he gets too old and to raise cash for mental health charity Mind.

"This might be the last chance I have to do something of this nature and magnitude because I'm getting old.

"And it's brilliant I can do this for Mind," he said.

"I spent my 30s as a couch potato, and after Mind helped me get over some problems I had, I decided to get fit and started Tae Kwon Do.

"After getting my black belt I wanted a new challenge, so I began running and it's taken off from there.

"I wanted to do the London Marathon, the London Triathlon, and the Great North Run, so I thought 'in for a penny, in for a pound'- just go for it."

Ray, from Dixon Street, will take part in at least one race a month, except in June, and will include next year's Swindon Half Marathon and the Swindon Duathlon.

But Ray hopes he will be able to take part in a few events in between as well.

Kathleen Aitken, of Swindon Mind, said: "We're overwhelmed by what Ray is doing, not just because of the money he hopes to raise, but because his efforts will help to raise awareness of mental health issues in the community."

Anyone who wishes to sponsor Ray can contact him on 617532.

Ray's races

March 13: Silverstone Half Marathon.

April 17: London Marathon.

May 22: Great Manchester Run 10 kilometre road race.

Swindon Duathlon (date not yet confirmed)

July: Cotswold Triathlon (date yet confirmed)

August 7: London Triathlon.

September 18: Great North Run

October: Great South Run- 10 mile road-race.