TWO intrepid fundraisers will put their best feet forward to help raise money for good causes.

First, Matt Jones will tackle two major city marathons in seven days in an attempt to raise more than £1,000 for Age UK.

The 33-year-old, self-employed tiler of Copse Avenue, will run Paris Marathon on Sunday, April 6, before lining up in Greenwich one week later to tough it out around London over the same distance.

Matt is anticipating a nasty week of recovery and soreness between the two challenges after experiencing a similar struggle after the 2013 Berlin Marathon.

“It’s going to be quite tough. After Berlin I stupidly booked myself in for a half marathon a week after,” he said.

“That was really tough going. I am hoping to have a couple of massages and hopefully everything should be okay to go at London.”

Matt has chosen to run for Age UK after the support they gave his grandparents, who also ran a charity shop dedicated to the charity’s predecessor, Age Concern.

After raising £1,100 for Age UK following his exertions in Berlin, Matt is keen to get close to the same total, but with double the miles.

“I’m keen to push myself a little bit more and just see what I can do with my body,” he said.

“I paid for my own place in Paris, but I got my place for London through Age UK, so I just thought I might as well run both for them.

“I think because last year I was asking people for money before I did Berlin, it’s been tougher to go back and keep asking them for more money this time around.

“I am only at £100 at the moment, but I would really like to get to £1,000 again.”

If you are interested in finding out more about Matt’s challenge and want to donate, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ mattjones4.

Meanwhile, 52-year-old Asghar Ali from Cowley, who has worked in the Swindon Mail Centre for 23 years, is set to take on the Reading Half Marathon for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

He said: “I’ve done a lot of running. It has always been something I have loved. I try to do at least five miles each day.”

Mr Ali’s wife Naveeda, 47 will be cheering him on at the half marathon on Sunday, March 2 alongside his five sons Bilal, Usman, Haider, Yamir and Mehar.

Mr Ali, who is raising money for the Great Ormond Street charity, said: “One of my nephews was ill and when I look at him, it makes me feel like I should do something.”

To donate to Mr Ali, visit justgiving.com/Asghar-Ali1.