A systems analyst is to run two marathons in just eight days to raise money for an Oxfordshire-based children’s sports charity.

Paul Swanton, from Bicester, will run the Manchester Marathon on Sunday and the London Marathon on April 26 in support of the Sports for Street Initiative (SSI).

SSI, which is based in Woodstock, offers children the opportunity to try non-mainstream sports including skateboarding, street hockey and laser tag.

Mr Swanton has been training for the marathons since September last year and completed October’s Great South Run in a time of 58min 44sec.

The 33-year-old said: “When I first heard about the charity it was something I felt very connected to, as I’ve always been interested in alternative sports.

“The work the charity is doing is incredible and I’m glad to be part of it.

“It is often difficult for kids to get involved in these kinds of activities in their communities.”

The training has been anything but easy, with Mr Swanton running more than 52 miles in a week, He added: “It’s been hard and on some days the miles can often seem really long “I’ve had stress injuries in my ankles and knees, which has meant training has been less intense in the past few weeks.”

Mr Swanton has raised £400 in sponsorship so far but is hoping to reach his target of £1,000. Mr Swanton, who has been running for 12 years, is also an athletics coach for Bicester Athletic Club, and said the club is hoping to build a new running track in the near future.

David Edwards, charity manager for SSI, said: “What Paul is doing is a little bit crazy, but it’s going to have a massive impact on the charity.”

To donate money visit Paul’s JustGiving page at justgiving.com/PaulForStreets