A 50-year-old Briton is set to undertake what he described as a "crazy challenge" in a bid to raise £50,000 for a foodbank.
Luke Helmn, 50, will complete a marathon each day from May 25 to 29 as part of his fundraising effort dubbed "Ron's Run", in an effort to combat food poverty in the Fylde region.
The challenge aims to generate £50,000 for the Big Food Project, which would enable the charity to provide 100,000 meals to families in need.
Mr Helmn has drawn inspiration from high-profile endurance challenges, including BBC radio presenter Sara Cox's 135-mile effort over five days and rugby player Kevin Sinfield's seven-day run exceeding 185 miles.
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The challenge carries deep personal significance for Mr Helmn, serving as a tribute to his father Ron, who dedicated 27 years to the Royal Air Force before spending his later years coaching thousands of young athletes at Stanley Park's running track in Blackpool.
Following Ron's death, his son initially organised "Ron's Run" to fund a memorial bench at the athletics facility where his father had made such an impact.
When the bench was donated by a generous benefactor, Mr Helmn continued his running efforts but redirected his focus towards gathering food contributions for local families struggling with poverty.
Ron's own remarkable life story provides further motivation for his son's endeavour.
Luke Helmn is taking on five marathons in five days to raise money for a foodbank next month
|ICG
He enlisted in the military at just 15 years old and later demonstrated considerable courage in his battle against cancer.
The marathon routes will take Mr Helmn through various locations across the Fylde, beginning in Fleetwood on day one before moving to Lytham, then Preston to Blackpool, followed by Poulton to Pilling, and concluding with a final stretch from Poulton to Pleasure Beach.
The timing of the challenge is deliberate, coinciding with World Hunger Day on May 28.
To mark the occasion, Blackpool Tower will be illuminated in support of Mr Helmn's efforts that evening.
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Blackpool Tower is set to be illuminated to mark Luke Helmn's challenge
|GETTY
Coastal Radio has committed to broadcasting live coverage throughout all five days of the event.
The public is also being invited to participate through a "Move a Mile for a Meal" initiative, with Active Blackpool pledging its backing alongside local gyms, sports clubs and personal trainers encouraging people to run, walk, cycle or swim in solidarity.
Mr Helmn described his motivation in straightforward terms: "I am fighting food hunger literally one mile at a time, and I need your support.
"It is a crazy challenge but it's something I have always wanted to do."
He added: "What began as an act of remembrance became action. Inspired by my dad who went to war at the age of 15 and bravely fought cancer, as well as the incredible feats of others.
"I am excited to be running five marathons in five days."
Claire Powell, Chief Executive of the Big Food Project, praised the fundraiser's dedication: "Luke's commitment to the Big Food Project is awe-inspiring - running five marathons in five days is an incredible challenge and we are with him every step of the way."
She emphasised the charity's critical function as the primary distributor of surplus and donated food across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre, describing it as a lifeline for those experiencing extreme poverty.
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