Steve, who is a whole time firefighter at Poole fire station and also an on-call firefighter in Hamworthy, will run a total of 262 miles on various routes around Dorset over ten days from 25 September, after his original plan had to be adapted because of the coronavirus pandemic.

He had been due to run the length of the Thames, starting from the source of the river near Kemble and then going through Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Surrey and into London, finishing with the Virgin London Marathon on Sunday 26 April.

Steve said. “When the London Marathon was initially postponed, I thought I’d still do the original challenge, just later in the year. However, when the race was limited to elite athletes only, I had to rethink. I’m still doing 10 marathon distances over 10 days, and I’m now working hard to get my sponsorship increased to make the pain worth it.

He added, “I am devastated that I will not be able to run the length of the Thames for real, seeing the incredible wildlife, exploring the twists and turns through the gorgeous countryside, and seeing the magnificent skyline of London slowly appear in the distance. I will still do 26.2 miles each day, but I will run around my beautiful home county of Dorset instead. On the day when the London Marathon was due to be held, I ran 26.2 miles in circuits around a fire station drill yard as part of my training, so hopefully I’m ready for this.”

Steve has set himself the target of raising a total of £3,000, to benefit PHAB Kids, which inspires and supports children and adults, both with and without disabilities, to make more of life together. Julia’s House Hospice will also be a beneficiary of his fundraising.

To support Steve in his fundraising for PHAB, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mr-steve-peel – to support Julia’s House, please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/mr-steve-peel