A RUNNER is attempting to complete two marathons on consecutive weekends for a mental health charity.

Southend Mencap general manager Marc McOwens will be running the Brighton Marathon on Sunday April 14 and then the London Marathon on Sunday April 21.

He is aiming to raise £5,000 to enable the society to continue providing their services and activities for children and adults with learning disabilities.

He said: “I have only been running marathons since 2011 but have completed both London and Paris marathons in that time and have really developed a bizarre pleasure from putting myself through both the extensive training as well as the 26.2 miles themselves.

“Obviously, being the general manager of Southend Mencap does also give me a business reason to compete in these events as, with less funding available for maintaining our activities for children and adults with learning disabilities, I need to find alternative sources of income.

“The support showed by the community last year for our 24 hour musicathon at the end of Southend Pier was so amazing that I am hoping some of those supporters may be able to find a little donation for this sponsorship pledge.”

To support Marc send cheque/cash to Southend Mencap at 100 London Road, Southend SS1 1PG or go online to www.justgiving.com/southendmencap/donate