A HAMPSHIRE man has raised more than £7,000 for several Hampshire charities after completing a number of marathons and runs while blind.

Martin Jacobs, aged 73, from Winchester, has taken on a number a marathons and runs over the last couple of years, including completing the Great South Run twice, the London Marathon, as well as the Winchester Santa Fun Run last year, in order to raise the money for four good causes.

As well as raising money for homeless support charity Trinity Winchester, the Alzheimer’s Society and Click Sargent, which support young people with cancer, Martin donated £2,100 to children’s hospice Naomi House and Jacksplace.

Martin, of North Hill Close, said: “I just couldn’t believe the inspirational service that they give to the children who go through the pain. With Trinity Winchester, the charity helps people in need and I thought I would stick to local charities.”

Describing himself as having “five major disabilities”, one of which is his complete blindness, Martin completed the challenges with the help of friend Lydia Colmer, 35.

The pair met around seven years while Lydia was working as part of the GP referral scheme at River Park Leisure Centre, in Winchester, after Martin was referred in 2010.