THE finish line is in sight for a charitable lifeguard from Bromsgrove, who will complete his tenth and final marathon of the year this weekend.

Luke Valente, 28, who works at The Dolphin Centre on School Drive, first began his challenge in February with the South Devon Marathon.

He will finish his test in the inaugural Birmingham Marathon on Sunday, October 15, raising money for a charity close to his heart.

He said: “My grandad Frank was diagnosed with cancer when I was young and given two weeks to live.

“My nan Elizabeth said she was not having it. He went on to live for another 12 years and died aged 85 so it was a bit of a misdiagnosis really.

“My nan was my biggest inspiration. Whenever she needed support Macmillan Cancer Support was always there for here, so I wanted to raise money for them.

“Last year I completed 11 half marathons but got bored of that as I found it easy.

“I said I wanted to test myself with 10 marathons this year. My grandad was a fighter so I am either a fighter like him or stupid to be taking on 10 marathons!”

Luke, who is still raising money, completed his first marathon in seven-and-a-half hours – but he’s been getting quicker.

He added: “It has been hard, especially the first one which was horrendous. I have found them easier the more I have done. My fastest time was 4 hours and 44 mins in my last marathon that was in Nottingham. I am definitely getting faster."