A former Royal Marine is running 100km to raise money for a charity that supports injured marines and the families of those who died in service.

Michael Salt hopes to run non-stop from Putney to Henley for the Thames Path 100km Challenge for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust on Saturday, September 14.

The 32-year-old from Teddington served with the marines from November 2007 to February 2012 and went to Afghanistan with 40 Commando as part of the Police Mentoring Troop.

He now studies professional and creative writing at St Mary’s University in Twickenham and works as a British Military Fitness instructor in Bushy Park and Richmond Park.

He hopes to run the ultra marathon in less than 12 hours and has been training hard with the support of his wife Helena.

He said: “I am sure she would rather I wasn’t doing it but she has been very supportive.

“I wanted to do something to raise money for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust and was looking for a suitable challenge and thought it looked good.

“I have done 50km before and that really hurt so I am expecting it to be much worse.

“I would love to raise as much as possible as a way of showing my appreciation for the marines.”

To support Mr Salt, visit justgiving.com/MichaelSalt.