Mark Raven will run three marathons in six weeks for the Marlets hospice.

A member of Sussex staff has set himself the challenge of completing three marathons in six weeks to raise funds for the Martlets hospice in Hove.

Mark, who is the University’s Head of Research Finance, completed his first marathon in 2011. He has since run several other marathons both in the UK and overseas, including a 30-mile ultramarathon in December 2017.

Mark said: “It’s a real challenge to run a marathon, but that sense of achievement and buzz you get when you finish is just amazing. There’s also something really special about being in a large group of people that are all trying to reach the finish line.”

This year Mark has set himself the challenge of completing three marathons in just six weeks to mark a particularly important milestone.

He explains: “It has been 10 years since my friend passed away at the Martlets hospice. Although it was a really difficult time, the staff were absolutely fantastic. It was then that I decided that I wanted to give something back to a place that had made a real difference.”

Not only has Mark run a number of marathons to raise money, he has also organised other fundraising activities such as pub quizzes. To date, Mark has raised around £15,000 for the hospice.

Antonia Shepherd, Fundraising Manager at Martlets, said: "Mark is a fantastic fundraiser, but he's never attempted something as ambitious as three marathons in six weeks.

“We're immensely proud and grateful to Mark. Money raised by our fundraisers helps us provide life-changing care to people across Brighton, Hove and surrounding areas."

Mark is now preparing for his third and final marathon in Edinburgh this Sunday (27 May), having completed the Brighton and London marathons in April.

This is the first time that Mark will attempt the Edinburgh marathon. He is hoping that the downhill course and favourable weather conditions will help him finish the challenge in style.

Mark said: “I’m really looking forward to tackling a new course. I love the city of Edinburgh and I’m hoping to finish my three marathon challenge in style by achieving a personal best.”