A father-to-be from Markyate is aiming to complete eight physical challenges before the birth of his first-born child.

Matthew Albone of Wesley Road will run marathons, climb a mountain and take on a 20 mile assault course over the next eight months.

His partner Madeleine Lister is expecting the couple’s first child in October, and he hopes to complete the challenges before then.

He said: "She’s happy for me to do it. She is very supportive.

"Everyone was really surprised. Most people think I’m mental but everyone has really got behind me.

"I turned 30 recently and it dawned on me that I’m not getting any younger.

"I decided that I wanted to test myself both physically and mentally to prove I'm not over the hill just yet.

"There is a possibility the baby could be coming to watch my final challenge."

The 30-year-old, who works as a personal trainer, is taking on the challenge to raise cash for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), which treated his niece Remee after she was born.

During treatment for bronchilitus at Luton and Dunstable hospital doctors found that Remee, who is now two years old, had a rotated heart and murmur.

She was transferred to GOSH where she received treatment and has since made a full recovery.

Mr Albone said: "She has flourished into a happy, healthy two-year-old but wouldn’t have done so without the expert help and care that she received from the staff at this truly wonderful hospital.

"My sister says that the treatment was first class so I thought it would be a good charity to raise money for.

"They do fantastic work."

Mr Albone completed his first challenge, the Flitwick 10k, on Sunday, April 14.

The next is a 20 mile assault course involving 200 different obstacles.

He will then take on two more 10k runs and the St Albans Half Marathon.

He will also take part in Man vs Mountatin, a marathon up and down Mount Snowdon, and Coast to Coast, a 105 mile run, cycle and kayak across Scotland.

He said: "I’ve quite nervous.

"Coast to Coast is the one I’m most worried about.

"I’m genuinely feeling that maybe I might struggle to do it. I think it is going to be really tough."

To sponsor Mr Albone’s challenge visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/matthewalbone10k.