Staffordshire care home manager dubbed the 'running-man' to pound streets of Birmingham in aid of dementia patients

Locally known as 'the running-man of Sutton Coldfield', Paul has been working as a dementia care home manager for St Thomas Priory in Rugeley, Armitage for just over a year - and now aims to raise money to help fund trips for patients and to raise awareness for the disease.

The idea of donning his old running shoes came to the care home manager after he tried to think of new ways he can raise funds and awareness for those living with the disease.

Talking about the marathon, Paul said: "I got the idea pretty soon after I started. Our patients are such lovely people and the building is absolutely amazing.

"I think as a care home manager, I really put my heart into the job, and when I sat and thought of ways to raise money to do something more, this is what I thought of. It really helps to raise awareness for the home and the illness as well."

While still a monumental challenge, Paul is no stranger to running long distances, running more than 47 half-marathons and seven marathons in his youth, as well as running in the 2013 London Marathon.

Paul said: "I used to do a lot of running in my youth. I haven't put my running shoes on properly in about 10 years. I used to be called The Running Man by people in Sutton Coldfield because I was always running.

"I've started to walk and run again now in preparation, and I think I'm up to about five miles now, so I'm getting there gradually. I actually used to run in superhero outfits, but I think I'm just going to focus on finishing this time.

"It's a fantastic cause and it really does go a long way to making the lives of those living with dementia even just a little bit better."

Anyone who wants to donate to Paul's cause can contact St Thomas Priory directly via their telephone number at 01543490112 or alternatively, via the group's messaging system on their website.