Purbrook dad set to run a marathon on his driveway to raise funds for NHS Charities Together

Window cleaner Charlie Mitchell will be pulling on his trainers next weekend to take on a 26.2 mile challenge outside his front door, all in aid of NHS Charities Together.

Charlie was inspired by Southampton man Gareth Allen, an ultra-marathon runner who took on the challenge in his garden last week - however, Charlie is no professional runner.

The 43-year-old has taken on a handful of races including the Great South Run, half marathons and some trail runs, but Easter Saturday will mark his first attempt at tackling a marathon.

Charlie is aiming to complete 417 laps of his 101.2m shared driveway in around five hours, with extra pressure being put on his legs from the constant corners he will have to turn.

He said: ‘I thought I would do something to take my mind off everything that’s going on.

‘I’m excited about it because I love a challenge but also a bit nervous because I have never run that far before.

‘It’s going to be a bit of a struggle, I will be able to do it but it’s going to hurt It’s all for a good cause.

With more than £200 raised already in just one day, Charlie is hoping to gather as much support as possible for NHS Charities Together, which gives £1m every day to the NHS to help volunteers, brighten wards and support services.

‘I just think everyone can relate to it at the moment, everyone knows someone who works in the NHS and they’re having a right struggle at the moment,’ Charlie told The News.

Although Charlie will be watched by sons Charlie and Freddie and his wife Adele, he has asked others to stay away due to social distancing rules. Adele will be posting live videos throughout the challenge so supporters can watch how he is getting on and cheer him along.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/drivewaymarathon and follow the Driveway Marathon for NHS Charities Facebook page for updates on training and live videos on Saturday, April 11.

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