A Fareham dad has raised more than £37,000 for a children's cancer charity by running 11 marathons.

Russell Matthews completed the 26.2-mile London Marathon on Sunday, April 27, having already run the Boston Marathon just six days earlier.

Since 2023, Russell has run the six world major marathons in London, New York, Chicago, Tokyo, Berlin and Boston, earning him the Six Star Marathon Medal.

He has run a total of 11 marathons for Young Lives vs Cancer.

Russell Matthews celebrates after completing the 2025 London Marathon, his 11th race for Young Lives vs CancerRussell Matthews celebrates after completing the 2025 London Marathon, his 11th race for Young Lives vs Cancer (Image: supplied)

Russell was inspired to run for the charity as his 12-year-old son, Harry, is receiving treatment for leukaemia for the third time.

Harry relapsed in December 2024 and is currently in Great Ormond Street Hospital, where he is recovering from his bone marrow treatment.

Russell said: "When Harry relapsed, I stopped running and decided to pull out of all the upcoming events I had planned, but family and friends told me not to make any rash decisions.

"I was due to complete the Six Star challenge that I began in 2023 by running the 2025 Boston Marathon, and I’d be lying if I said this did not play on my mind, as I’d worked so hard to get a place; but at the same time, I felt extremely selfish for even thinking about running.

"In January, a friend asked what got me into running; I quickly replied that I wanted to raise awareness and support Young Lives vs Cancer, so in 2017, I signed up to run the Torbay Half Marathon.

"While every challenge I’ve undertaken since has pushed me personally, the main aim has always been to raise awareness and support for Young Lives vs Cancer.

"With the date looming to commit to the Boston Marathon, I realised, now more than ever, the importance of supporting this amazing charity and the work they do helping young people and families who find themselves going through this horrible nightmare that is cancer."

Liz Blunt, senior fundraising engagement manager for Young Lives vs Cancer, said: "The impact of Russ’ fundraising is huge for our charity. To have raised over £37,000 is immense."