A REYDON man is preparing for three tough challenges in the coming months.James Samkin, right, is gearing up to run in this year's London and Edinburgh marathons and raise funds for Barnardo's children's charity.

A REYDON man is preparing for three tough challenges in the coming months.

James Samkin, right, is gearing up to run in this year's London and Edinburgh marathons and raise funds for Barnardo's children's charity.

And not content with pounding the streets of England and Scotland's capitals later this year, Mr Samkin, of Windsor Road, will also finish the year off by competing in the Great North Run in Newcastle.

“I am training really hard running round the streets of Reydon, Southwold and surrounding villages four times a week,” he told The Journal.

Having taken part in last year's London Marathon he is hopeful of beating his finishing time of five hours.

“It was a very warm day in the capital (75 degrees) last year, but this time I'm hoping for a cooler day and I hope to finish in around four-and-a-half hours.

“I am really looking forward to both marathons but there is only six weeks in between each race, so I am going to get myself really fit this year and lay off the Adnams until after the running.”

Running for Barnardo's, Mr Samkin, who has lived in Southwold and Reydon all his life, chose this charity as he “feels strongly” about them.

“I know what a great job they do for kids in the UK,” he said.

Mr Samkin has set up a charity website - www.justgiving.com/

jamessamkin - and hopes sponsors and local businesses will back him.