75-year-old grandad aims to run 75 marathons in 75 days

A super-fit grandad is aiming to break a new world record - by running 75 marathons in just 75 days.

Ray Matthews plans to start his epic challenge on his 75th birthday and hopes his efforts will bring in £75,000 for disabled children.

Former boxer Ray, only took up running aged 60 after watching the London Marathon on television.

The next year he entered the race, completing it in under four hours.

Ray, from Maltby, South Yorkshire, said: "My best before date is closing in as fast as an express train.

"But before that happens I would be so proud to achieve a world record and to raise £75,000 to provide rubber playground areas and entertainment facilities for children at Newman School, in Rotherham."

Ray's first marathon will be at the New York Stadium in Rotherham, where he will be joined by Rotherham United players along the route.

He said: "It will be run at a steady pace so most people can join in and run beside me. We have set up the routes in loops instead of having a straight long line between two points so people can join in for just 5k or 10k."

His 75 marathons will also see him fly to Saint Quentin in northern France, which is twinned with Rotherham, for his 50th and 51st marathons.

Granddad-of-three Ray says his success is all down to the "exceptional" cooking of his wife Maureen, 74, as well as a 'can do' attitude.

Ray, who used to run a steel construction business, says he is lucky that he is able to still be running long distances without any real problems as he approaches his 75th birthday.

Ray previously took part in a 50-mile race around the Rotherham area when he was 71.

His challenge starts on July 2.