NOT content with running a marathon one Huntingdon fundraiser has decided to push the pain barrier even further - by growing a beard at the same time and then getting it waxed.

Psychological wellbeing practitioner Adam Dawes is a self-confessed couch potato but a trip to the pub last Christmas inspired him to make a change.

Goaded by friends who told him he could never run a marathon 30 year old Adam was determined to prove them wrong, even though up until that point he had never been running before.

After securing a gold bond place with prison charity the Rehabilitation fir Addicted Prisoners Trust (RAPt) for the London Marathon on April 17 he began training.

With just 16 weeks to get prepared for the 26-mile slog, Adam admits he has taken on a big challenge.

“All the training packs say you need at least 24 weeks, so I have been squishing a bit more in than I should do,” he said.

He currently spends an hour each day in the pool at One Leisure Huntingdon, followed by an hour and a half in the gym.

But before Adam even gets to the starting line he must raise �1500, so in a bid to raise cash Adam is growing a beard which he has pledged to get waxed on April 1.

He said: “I was down the pub again and someone said if you grow your beard for a couple of months, I will give you �50. Three other people said, if you wax it off, I will give you another �50, which makes �200 for charity.”

In addition Adam will be holding a raffle on April 1 at a location to be confirmed. Up for grabs are a �40 wine voucher, a case of wine, salsa lesson for two and his services for two hours.

On Saturday he will be at Huntingdon market selling books donated by Black Gull Books and at St Ives market on Saturday, March 26 from 8am to 4.30pm. All proceeds will go to RAPt and 50 per cent of the proceeds from Marathon Book seller on Amazon will also go to the appeal

Adam, who currently works for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Trust, previously worked in the prison service where he saw first-hand the good work RAPt do.

“RAPt is the UK’s leading provider of prison-based addiction treatment programmes, and also offers a range of services in the community that aim to move drug-using offenders away from a life of addiction and crime.

“They believe that all people who are addicted to or misusing substances should have access to support which is effective in breaking their addiction or misuse, and will help them change their behaviour and lifestyle.

“They have brought about a reduction in crime and destructive behaviour, and promote healthier communities and families, by helping people recover from substance misuse and addiction, and build positive and fulfilling lifestyles.

“The work they do is second to none and one of the leaders in provide such an forward thinking program.

INFORMATION: To sponsor Adam go to www.justgiving.com/adam-dawes. To purchase books from Marathon Books go to www.amazon.co.uk/shops/A1YHEBOGPEOP80.