A Swindon man who quit smoking and began running marathons has raised more than £18,000 for charity. 

Paul Bastin puffed on 20 cigarettes a day at the height of his addiction but put down the packets for good on New Year's Day in 2021 and decided to make healthier changes to his life.

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The 59-year-old tried the Couch to 5k scheme and found it a struggle at first, but managed to complete his first big run after six months of preparation.

He lost weight, felt better than ever, and became determined to tackle bigger challenges.

These included a 10km run, 13 miles on a treadmill in the B&Q warehouse where he works as a Wincanton employee, the Race for Life, the Swindon Half-Marathon, and the Bath Half Marathon.

Then came the toughest feat of fitness he had ever faced - the London Marathon.

Paul said: "I'd smoked all my life, so if I can give it up, anyone can.

"I was overweight and coughing all the time, it was horrible, but now I feel healthy and want to make a difference.

"The London Marathon was so hard. My feet and back and legs were burning, but I was thinking about what I was doing and how it would help other people, so I just kept going.

"No-one could believe it when I arrived at the finish line. I'm so happy and feel very proud of myself, this has meant a lot to me because it's helping those in need."

This Is Wiltshire: Haydon Wick Club present Paul Batin with a cheque on the day of the FA Cup FinalHaydon Wick Club present Paul Batin with a cheque on the day of the FA Cup Final (Image: Newsquest)

Each time he put his running shoes on, Paul raised hundreds of pounds for a good cause, like Cancer Research UK, the Alzheimer's Society, and Make A Wish.

He also hosted fundraisers at the Haydon Wick Club, which included a music night organised by Kevin Harrington, and helped pay for a disabled boy's new wheelchair with the donations for the Swindon Half Marathon.

Altogether, his 26-mile journey through the country's capital raised £3,861 for Make A Wish. 

Paul is now preparing to take on the London Landmarks run as well as the Cardiff and Bristol Half-Marathons, and try to beat his personal best at the London Marathon this year.

This Is Wiltshire: Chris and Mark Murray with Paul BatinChris and Mark Murray with Paul Batin (Image: Newsquest)

Chris and Mark Murray are sponsoring him and collected  Haydon Wick Club members who wanted to thank Paul for his incredible efforts and contribute to an FA Cup Final sweepstake.

They presented him with a novelty-sized cheque for £1,000 at the club on Saturday.