A man running 401 marathons in 401 days in aid of two anti-bullying charities has spent the past week jogging across Pembrokeshire with local runners.

Ben Smith, 33, from Bristol, began the gruelling 401 Challenge on September 1, 2015, and aims to complete the record-breaking adventure on October 5 after carrying out one marathon a day in different locations across the UK – running the distance of Bristol to Sydney in the process.

On Friday, Ben set off from Goodwick before taking part in the Colby Parkrun on Saturday. During Sunday’s marathon, he joined competitors in the Narberth Nobbler and on Monday he was running in the Haverfordwest area with members of Pembrokeshire Harriers Road Runners.

“I’ve focused on joining running clubs around the county because they know the areas, they run and know what it is that we’re trying to achieve,” said Ben on Monday when stopping for a snack break in Johnston.

During The 401 Challenge, Ben is aiming to raise £250,000 for charities Stonewall and Kidscape (so far over £130,000 has been collected) and increase awareness of the harmful effects of bullying.

At the age of ten Ben was sent to boarding school where he suffered bullying.

In his late teens Ben had a nervous breakdown and tried to take his own life. He continued to suffer depression for many years after leaving school and university.

As part of his return to health, a friend convinced Ben join a running club and he developed a passion for the sport and found it to build his self-esteem.

Overcoming his problems, he wanted to use his experiences to help other people and raise awareness of the effects of bullying and The 401 Challenge was created.

After spending over a year travelling around the county and sleeping in his mobile home, the end is now in sight.

“I’ve had my fair share of injuries and setbacks, but I’ve also had some amazing moments that I will cherish for the rest of my life,” he said.

Ben is now looking forward to finally finishing and is planning to set up a foundation. “That’s going to be the focus, along with spending time with my family and my other half."