A prison governor who spends his spare time as a pacer at marathon events is running 11 marathons in 11 days.

Rather than improving his personal best, Paul Addicott sets the pace for others, acting as pacer around the world from London and Berlin to Chicago and New York.

But now the Sutton resident has set himself a personal challenge for Cancer Research UK.

Paul, 35, deputy governor at Wandsworth Prison, has run 60 marathons since 2011 – but never more than two in a row.

The father-of-two admits the challenge will push him to the limits.

“This is going to be a huge personal challenge. Even two marathons in a row were a struggle," he said.

"But I wanted to do something that would really push me.

"Usually, I would never consider this many marathons together as I wouldn’t want to hinder performance while pacing races. But this seems like a good time to do it.”

Your Local Guardian: Paul on day 10Paul on day 10

Paul, who runs motivational running website ‘Pick up the Pace Paul’, is encouraging others to join him on his challenge, either in person or virtually.

“I did the Winter Run for Cancer Research UK and with my team, raised more than £5,000, so I wanted to continue to support the charity," he said.

"Cancer affects us all – one in two people will get the disease in their lifetime.

“I’d love people to join me, either by taking part with me, or by donating as much as they can to this fantastic charity.”

Paul will finish his challenge on May 19. 

Lynn Daly, spokeswoman for Cancer Research UK, said: “We’re in awe of Paul’s challenge – it’s a Herculean task!

"We wish him well and can assure him that every pound he raises will help us beat cancer sooner.”

Paul has raised £4,248.40 at the time of publishing. To donate visit here.

To keep up to date about the challenge visit Pick up the Pace Paul.