A SELF-CONFESSED marathon obsessive is set to slog 184 miles in one week in a bid to recognise the "commitment and passion" of hospice staff.

Paul Davison, from Eight Ash Green, Colchester, is one of 20 runners gearing up to take on the London Marathon in October to raise funds for St Helena Hospice.

But the seasoned runner is adding an extra challenge by setting out to run seven marathons in seven days - almost 184 miles in a week.

In the six days before the London Marathon, Mr Davison will run 26.2 miles from the hospice in Highwoods, Colchester, to a different hospice charity shop each day.

He said: "As a seasoned marathon runner, I wanted to really push myself.

"My lovely wife Sarah is taking the week off, so will be supporting me and be at the end each day to get me home.

“I’ve worked locally in the NHS for many years and been privileged to work with numerous colleagues at St Helena Hospice.

"I've seen the commitment and passion they have. I also know many people with friends or family that have been supported by St Helena and have been touched by the stories they have shared."

Mr Davison, a member of Great Bentley Running Club, admits he is "obsessed" with running, having conquered ten marathons and even a 100-mile ultra marathon.

“I enjoy the freedom and space I have when running," he said.

"Also the ability to shut everything else out, but I am also fiercely competitive, mainly with myself, and enjoy the challenge of trying to go further and faster.

“I’d encourage anyone wanting to start to run, or take on a challenge like London Marathon, to join a local running club.

"They cater for all ages and abilities and most have regular structured training sessions as well as social runs, and it really helps to have that support around you.

“I’ve not run the London Marathon before but spectated for the first-time last year and the atmosphere was amazing, I can’t wait to be immersed in that as a runner.”

Lisa Chenery, fundraiser at St Helena Hospice, said: "All our fantastic marathon runners have so far raised more than £39,000 to help people face incurable illness and bereavement, which is incredible."

To sponsor Paul, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Pauls7marathonsin7days.