A vicar is to run 100 miles to celebrate the centenary of his church.

Martyn Hawkes is setting off from St Gabriel’s Church in Aldersbrook Road, Aldersbrook at midnight next Friday.

The 20-hour route will take in St Albans Cathedral and Chelmsford Cathedral before completing the loop back to Aldersbrook on the Saturday evening.

The 42-year-old has so far raised around £2,000 which he will distribute equally towards building projects in the church and charity Christian Aid.

Reverend Hawkes has been the vicar of the church for three years, which was founded in 1914, and feels the run is a poignant way to mark the centenary.

He said: “I was looking for something to really challenge me and I have never done anything like this before, I did complete 50-mile race last year but this is going to be quite a step up.

“I have been planning this for over a year but the furthest I have run in training is 28 miles so this really will be a leap in the dark.

“People tell me I shouldn’t stop because I won’t be able to start again, so I am hoping to run continuously the whole way.”

Reverend Hawkes believes he will complete it successfully by drawing on the inspiration of his wife Jen, 38, and the plight of persecuted Christians in Iraq.

 “My wife Jen is behind me on it but does worry about the effect it is going to have on my body.

“She is going to cycle the last 27 miles with me which should push me to reach the finish.

“I will also be inspired by people undertaking much more dangerous journeys for their faith, especially in Iraq, whatever my sufferings on this run I will be thinking of them.” 

Support Reverend Hawkes's cause here.