A MECHANICAL engineer has set off on a fundraising challenge that will see him run seven marathons in seven counties in seven days.

Shawn Leek, 40, started his first 26.2mile run from St Helena Hospice’s Peartree Road offices in Stanway on Monday morning.

He will finish his challenge with the London Marathon on Sunday.

He said: “I’m very nervous and excited at the same time.

“I’ve done everything I can, training-wise.

“I’m really looking forward to London. It will be really exciting to get there.”

The first six runs, which are not official races, have been planned by Shawn’s friends and fellow runners at Great Bentley Running Club.

He hopes to be running for about five hours a day to raise money for St Helena Hospice.

Dad-of-two Shawn, of Rebow Street, Colchester, said: “I accept it is going to hurt. I will deal with that.

“The mental side of it is the hardest.

“It is just dealing with getting out of bed every morning and thinking I’ve got to do another 26.2 miles.

“I think I’m going to go through a lot of highs and lows.”

  • To find out more, and to sponsor Shawn, visit shawnleekschallenge.wordpress.com