A WRITER and filmmaker is in his final weeks of preparation for a marathon of running challenges.

Lee Crompton is aiming to run four 10km races in four weeks in Clydebank, Dumbarton, Helensburgh and the Vale of Leven to raise funds for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.

The 42-year-old has already raised £900 for this challenge and wants to push the total even higher.

Dame Ellen MacArthur founded the charity in 2003 to give young people aged between eight and 24 the chance to regain their confidence through sailing while recovering from cancer, leukaemia and other serious illnesses.

Lee said he is mainly focusing on low impact training at the moment to get his body in shape for a month of running.

He said: “I’ve only done a handful of 10km runs before so to do four in such a short space of time, and then the half marathon, it’s going to be tough but it’s all for a great cause.

“I watched a piece on The Ellen MacArthur Trust during Children in Need which brought me to tears. What they do is extremely positive with kids who have been dealt a tough hand.

"I had a kidney removed in Birmingham Children's Hospital when a tumor was discovered but I can't begin to imagine how being diagnosed with cancer at such an early age affects these children and their families."

He added: "It’s a great cause to help kids who’ve been dealt a rough hand in life so please donate if you can. I’m also auctioning items donated by businesses across the country so please get in touch if you can help.”

Now in its 29th year, the Polaroid Eyewear 10K Series starts in Helensburgh on May 12 with Clydebank's 10K on May 19.

Lee, who lives in Croftamie, said the challenge is as much mental as physical and he hopes to encourage others to get out and get fit or even just to set a goal and achieve it.

He is planning to take on his first half marathon in Bournemouth in October.

Visit www.justgiving.com/Lee-Crompton1 to contribute to Lee's fundraising.