A BANKER turned marathon man is getting ready to rest up for Christmas, although not before he completes his 26th marathon of the year today (Sunday).

Richard Kell, from Letchworth GC, will take on the 26.2 mile course in Luton after 12 months of toil on roads throughout the UK in a bid to raise money for armed forces charity Help for Heroes.

The 39-year-old had never attempted a marathon until October last year but has made up for lost time by completing some gruelling challenges throughout 2010, with a 45 mile ‘ultra marathon’ and four consecutive marathons both completed in January, as well as a 38 mile course which took in five of London’s most famous sporting venues.

Richard’s efforts, which also include a 30 mile commando challenge across Dartmoor carrying 40lbs of kit, a skydive and an abseil down one of London’s tallest buildings, have so far helped raise more than �15,000 for Help For Heroes, which supports service personnel wounded in current conflicts.

Speaking before his 26th marathon, Richard said: “I’m certainly no athlete and have never done any running up

until last year.

“It shows what anyone can achieve with a little determination. It’s been tiring at times but I’ve covered so much of the UK and been to places I’d never have otherwise seen, running across some spectacular scenery in the process.

“With more than 100 UK service personnel killed in action this year, and many many more suffering life changing injuries, any sacrifice I have made is put properly into context.

“But I am just glad I can do something however modest to support our heroes out in Afghanistan. And it doesn’t stop here – I have some big plans for 2011…!”