A businessman is running a marathon per week this year to raise money for a children's charity.

Chris Slater, from Platt in Malling, decided to take on the epic challenge for Get Kids Going! at the end of last year.

Chris, who works as head of new business at XCM, a database management company, said: "I struggled a lot with my mental health in lockdown, so at the back end of 2021 I decided to do this, as the most insane physical thing I can do."

So far in 2022, he has run 48 of his 52 marathons, with the last being a solo run on Saturday. During the year, he has raced at Brighton, London, Manchester and Goodwood.

His final marathon is on New Year's Eve, which he will run with friends before they join him at home to celebrate his success as they bring in the new year.

The 30-year-old said: "It has been very, very hard, I can't lie. It's been so up and down, with a lot of physical challenges.

"I've run this distance before but never consistently back-to-back. I've had to prepare and make sure I recover before the next one.

"Mentally, it has been incredibly hard to stay motivated during the dark patches, while managing my day job as well."

Chris took on the task to fundraise for children's charity Get Kids Going!, which provides specialist wheelchairs, grants, and year-round support to help disabled children take part in sport.

The children are then able to compete in all different kinds of sports including triathlons, basketball, tennis and skiing.

He said: "It only has a few people working there, so it's quite small. The money probably means more to them than ones that get a lot coming in."

So far, he has raised £4,639 of his £5,200 target.

To donate to Chris's fundraiser and give him that final push to reach his target, click here.

Chris also wanted to encourage others to look after their mental health, saying: "A lot of people have had mental challenges with what's gone on in the past few years.

"I've been through some dark places, and I've been supported by my friends and family, and for me, running helped to give me focus.

"My message is to not give up hope, and if you do need help, to get it and speak up."

Next year, Chris plans to set himself a slightly different challenge, which is still difficult but not quite as prolonged – by running seven marathons in seven days.

He added: "I just need two weeks to recover first."