Bournemouth school caretaker Paul OBoyle, 56, is no stranger to huge challenges, as last October he ran 27 marathons in 26 days. Hence why he is known as Marathon Man!

His latest feat will take him on the South West Coast Path from Old Harry Rocks in Studland on Sat 31 July to Plymouth Barbican on 4 August, a distance of 212 miles.

Paul took up running after surviving a horrific hit and run in July 2015. He sustained fractures to his skull, ribs and collarbone when he was knocked off his bike in Wallisdown Road, Poole and spent a month in hospital before undergoing lengthy rehabilitation and speech therapy.

Paul said: Running was the way I got myself back to fitness and back on track and I totally fell in love with it. So, in October last year I decided I was going to see how far I could push myself by running 27 marathons in 26 days for the Mac Unit.

It was tough beyond words. But with a huge amount of support, I managed it and I was thrilled to raise over £12,000.

Ive walked parts of the South West Coast Path many times and have often wondered if I could run it. Now Im going to find out and hopefully raise some more cash for the Mac Unit along the way.

Paul has already managed to fit in some pretty gruelling training:

He ran the one-day Jurassic 100km on 23 May and went on to conquer the famous Three Peaks Challenge just two weeks later on 5 June.

He said: Friends and family probably dread what Im going to suggest next. But I am incredibly excited by this next challenge.

It wont be easy. The terrain is tricky and running along a clifftop isnt without its perils of course. But I have a great support crew travelling the road route alongside me and making sure I get rest and food each night and Im determined to make it to Plymouth Barbican on 4 August.

All the money Paul raises will go to Macmillan Caring Locallys Brick by Brick appeal to replace the existing outdated Mac Unit with a brand new hospice.

Neal Williams, Trust secretary of Macmillan Caring Locally, said: What Paul has overcome and has gone on to achieve is incredible, and I for one feel honoured to know him.

His latest challenge is just as gruelling as his last and we hope individuals and businesses will sponsor the Marathon Man and send him messages to encourage him along his route.

By supporting Paul, they will be helping us get another step closer to building a wonderful new hospice.