Man starts Lisbon to London marathon for cancer charity

Mr Williams-Preece said only injuries would stop him

A man from East Sussex has started a bid to run 50 marathons across Europe in 50 days for charity.

Hugh Williams-Preece, 40, from Mayfield, began his challenge in Lisbon at 0900 GMT and aims to run to London, covering 1,310 miles in total.

He is running to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care and is hoping to complete his challenge in Parliament Square, London, on 21 April.

Mr Williams-Preece said that his fear of failure would motivate him.

'amazing feat'

He said: "I am hugely motivated by the fear of not finishing and the immense pressure I have put on myself.

"Unless I am very unlucky with injuries, nothing will stop me from crossing the line on the 50th day."

He is hoping to raise more than £25,000 to help fund more Marie Curie Nurses who provide free nursing care to terminally ill patients.

World marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe said: "It is an amazing feat, I can't imagine running so far in such a short space of time."

The marathon runner is encouraging people to join him in his 50 marathons.