A former Bucks Free Press photographer who is embarking on three marathons in three weeks for charity has received the backing of two of the county’s top dignitaries.

Matt Fowler sets off this weekend on the first leg of his epic marathon fundraiser for South Bucks Hospice, which will see him complete the first of three 26-mile races in Manchester tomorrow.

Father-of-two Matt, 47, nicknamed ‘The Bald Runner’, will follow this by running in the Brighton Marathon on April 17, and then the London Marathon the week after that - all in aid of hospice patients.

Wycombe District Council chairman Cllr Ian McEnnis has voiced his support for his tough challenge, saying: “Good luck to Matt ahead of such a gruelling challenge in aid of the wonderful South Bucks Hospice charity.

“Having recently taken part in the Sport Relief Mile, which is just a small fraction of the distance Matt will run in such a short space of time, I have nothing but admiration for people who push themselves to the limit to help improve the lives of others.”

Matt hopes the public will back him in raising thousands for hospice patients.

“It will be tough but so worth it if I am able to raise a lot of money for such a worthwhile cause,” he said. “The charity is building a new community hospice in Totteridge right now and needs every penny it can get.

“This will spur me if I hit the wall during any of the races, because I know I need to do my very best to help these patients.”

Chairman of South Bucks District Council, Duncan Smith, said: "I wish Matt good luck in his runs. It took me three months training to do a recent half marathon and a good week to recover.

“So to do the full distance three times requires dedication and commitment.”

To sponsor Matt, go to http://campaign.justgiving.com/charity/southbuckshospice/Three-Marathons-in-a-Flash-Matt-Fowler-South-Bucks-Hospice