A DRINK drive victim from Boscombe aims to cover 212 miles of the South West Coast Path in only five days to raise funds for Macmillan Caring Locally.

Bournemouth school caretaker 'Marathon Man' Paul O'Boyle, 56, who has previously run 27 marathons in 26 days, took up running after surviving a hit and run in July 2015 after he was knocked off his bike.

Paul sustained fractures to his skull, ribs and collarbone and spent a month in hospital before undergoing lengthy rehabilitation and speech therapy.

He said: "Running was the way I got myself back to fitness and back on track and I totally fell in love with it.

"I’ve walked parts of the South West Coast Path many times and have often wondered if I could run it. Now I’m going to find out and hopefully raise some more cash for the Mac Unit along the way."

The father-of-one will set off from Old Harry Rocks in Studland on Saturday, July 31 and attempt to reach Plymouth Barbican on August 4, having run an average of 42 miles each day.

Bournemouth Echo: Paul O’Boyle from Bournemouth ran 27 marathons in 26 days in October 2020 to raise funds for the Macmillan Unit in Christchurch.Paul O’Boyle from Bournemouth ran 27 marathons in 26 days in October 2020 to raise funds for the Macmillan Unit in Christchurch.

Paul has already managed to fit in some gruelling training by running the one-day Jurassic 100km on May 23.

And, he went on to conquer the famous Three Peaks Challenge just two weeks later on June 5.

Paul said: "Friends and family probably dread what I’m going to suggest next. But I am incredibly excited by this next challenge.

"It won’t be easy. The terrain is tricky and running along a clifftop isn’t without its perils of course. But I have a great support crew travelling the road route alongside me and making sure I get rest and food each night and I’m determined to make it to Plymouth Barbican on August 4."

All the money Paul raises will go to Macmillan Caring Locally’s Brick by Brick appeal to replace the existing outdated Mac Unit with a brand new hospice to meet the future needs of the community.

Paul added: "Hopefully people will get behind me and donate to my challenge. The work of the Mac Unit and its staff is legendary and I hope people will show their appreciation for it."

To support Paul, visit: justgiving.com/campaign/Marathonmangoeswest