SUPERFIT Martin James has raised hundreds of pounds for good causes by running seven marathons in seven days on a treadmill at Wellington Sports Centre.

Martin 30, from Beech Hill in Wellington, raised £549.87 for Help for Heroes and the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS).

The challenge aimed to raise awareness and sponsorship for the charities and the total raised helps beat his overall target of £2,500.

Martin eased through each 26.2 miles over the first three days but by the fourth marathon started to feel the relentless pounding effect on his hips. A burst of energy on the fifth day saw him run his fastest marathon and with only two more to do he knew the end was close.

He said support from his parents, friends and passers-by helped him complete the challenge. Martin would like to thank everyone who made a donation and stopped to find out a little more about the charities.

He would also like to thank Tone Leisure staff and the charities for moving a treadmill into the reception area at the sports centre and for setting up a small display.

Martin will be raising more money in June with a 69-mile ultra-marathon along Hadrian’s Wall. The organised event challenges runners to start in Carlisle on the West coast, navi­­gate the Pennines and finish in Newcastle on the East coast in less than 24 hours.

Donations can still be made online via his JustGiving pages, simply search for Martin-James111 or Martin-James252 on the website.