SUPERFIT Wellington man Martin James is getting set to run seven marathons in seven days next month followed by an ultra-marathon next summer in memory of a former Royal Marine friend.

Martin will be running a total of 252 miles on a treadmill at Wellington Sports Centre and along the length of Hadrian’s Wall in aid of two charities – Help for Heroes (H4H) and the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS).

He especially wants to raise awareness of the mental health support available to ex-servicemen and women who have returned from war zones and need help integrating in civilian society.

He said: “My friend Markus Goldie could have used additional support in June 2016 when he unfortunately lost his battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and depression.”

Martin, 30, of Beech Hill, was deputy head boy at Wellington School in 2004 and has swum the English Channel with his brother Daniel, played professional hockey in Italy and completed four Ironman triathlons in the last three years.

At school he captained the hockey, athletics and squash teams. He then went to Cardiff Metropolitan University to study Biomechanics and Physiology, and now works in the energy sector.

Help for Heroes supports many independent groups specialising in everything from injury rehabilitation to family support and Martin wants to raise awareness of groups such as Big White Wall, which deals with mental health issues.

NRAS provides support to people affected by the degenerative disease rheumatoid arthritis. It conducts research to allow for early detection and diagnosis, and provides information on new/stronger medicines available to dull the pain and slow the progressive nature of the disease. Martin said: “My mum, Birgit James, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at a very early age and I have seen first hand how debilitating the condition can be. I will be directly supporting Mid Somerset Rheumatoid Group which works from Musgrove Park Hospital and helps rheumatoid patients locally.”

Martin will run his seven marathons in seven days in reception at Wellington Sports Centre starting on Saturday, December 10, beginning at about 1pm each day – he says he would appreciate anyone passing through to show their support. He will be running the 69-mile ultra-marathon along the iconic Hadrian’s Wall footpath, from Carlisle to Newcastle, on June 17.

Collections will be held for both charities at the sports centre during the week but any sponsorship via JustGiving pages will help Martin reach his targets. Search for

Martin-James111 for H4H or Martin-James252 for NRAS.