MARATHON man Mike Buss is used to participating in gruelling challenges alone but for his next venture he will be leading 1,500 supporters.

Mike, 35, from Highworth, has organised Run for Heroes, a 5km fun run at Lydiard Park on Sunday, June 6 to raise cash for Help For Heroes, a charity close to the heart of the ex-Army physical training instructor.

He is determined to raise a minimum of £20,000 for the charity and is asking the people of Swindon to back him on his first mass walk.

He said: “We are opening up the entries to 1,500 people and for a first event that is a large number, but we have had such a huge response that we are very confident to fill the spaces.

“The run is part of a large family fun day all set up to raise at least £20,000 for Help for Heroes.

“Everyone will get a t-shirt and medal.

“There will be bouncy castles, bouncy assault course, live music, dancers, the Army Silver Stars Parachute display team, paintball, and much, much more.

“This is a fantastic first for Swindon and the UK for that matter.”

Mike holds several world records for his various endurance and race achievements.

He has been attempting to break world records in an effort to raise money for Help for Heroes.

In February he donned a biological, nuclear and chemical warfare protection suit at the Swindon Designer Outlet to smash five records over two days, including running the furthest distance while carrying a 40lb pack while wearing the suit.

In January he ran 517.25 miles at the Brunel Centre on a treadmill in seven days.

Registration for the Run for Heroes is £10.

The race will start at 10am and to register log onto www.runnersworld.co.uk/events and to get a sponsorship form email activelifeuk@hotmail.com.