MATTHEW Hallam is to prove he really is a marathon man when he takes on the equivalent of five marathons in five days. The 37-year-old of Centenary Way, Brampton, is aiming to raise �5,000 for Project 65, a charity which helps injured British service men

MATTHEW Hallam is to prove he really is a marathon man when he takes on the equivalent of five marathons in five days.

The 37-year-old of Centenary Way, Brampton, is aiming to raise �5,000 for Project 65, a charity which helps injured British service men and women.

His 131-mile run will start in Ilfracombe, Devon and finish in Bulford in Wiltshire.

Mr Hallam (pictured), who served in the 9th Parachute Squadron Royal Engineers, said he has been training hard for the cause which is close to his heart.

"I have friends that have been injured and killed, so I would like to give something back," he said.

Mr Hallam, who left the armed forces in 2003, said the squadron would always be a big part of his life, and that he wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you.

"I was made redundant recently from a construction job and I have been using my time in a positive way. I thought now's the time to raise some money for a charity that means a lot."

INFORMATION: Project 65 was created to honour the 52nd Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry with a new memorial in Normandy and to raise funds for the care and support of wounded armed forces personnel. For more information about the challenge or to donate online go to www.justgiving.com/Matthew-Hallam9