Darren was inspired to set up a fundraiser after seeing Max's courage and determination at close quarters and wanting to make a practical difference. The demanding personal endurance challenge has raised more than £3,650 for the fundraiser.

Starting at 7am each morning from The Mill gym in Buckingham, Darren ran repeated one-kilometre loops of Bourton Park, completing the full marathon distance of 26.2 miles (42.2km) each day, for seven days straight. In total, Darren covered more than 295 kilometres on foot over the course of one week.

The challenge, which is a recognised ultra-endurance format popularised by events such as the World Marathon Challenge, places extraordinary demands on the body. Running consecutive marathons allows no true recovery time between efforts, meaning muscle fatigue, soreness and mental strain accumulate with each passing day.

Completing the challenge solo, without a support crew or pacers, made Darren's achievement all the more remarkable.

Darren (39), who is a father of two and works as a Sales Advisor for Bloor Homes’ South Mids region, said: “Max is one of the most positive, determined people I've ever met. I wanted to do something that matched the scale of what he's facing – something that pushed me to my absolute limits. Seven marathons in seven days was hard, but every step was worth it. The support from people who have donated has been incredible, and every penny will go towards Max’s treatment.”

Carl Slater, Regional Managing Director for Bloor Homes South Midlands: “Darren’s achievement has been extraordinary, both as a physical feat and as a demonstration of his character, especially when you see what he was running for. We are incredibly proud of him.”