A former soldier will take on a number of physical challenges to raise money for a charity supporting children born without eyes.

Martin Hilly, who lives in Watford, will be fundraising over the next year for Micropthalmia, Anophthalmia and Coloboma Support (MACS).

The 35-year-old will be taking part in the Virgin London Marathon, Brighton Marathon, The Essex 100 miler and will be running 2018 miles in 2018.

The ex-military man – who is married and has two children under the age of 10 - wanted to “give back to the community” after he left the service.

Mr Hilly said: “I came across MACS and I started to read about them and what they do, my initial thoughts were what if I was directly affected. Not being able to see my loved ones or my children, not being able to see the world around me.”

“I am an ex-military man and have always raised money for service men and women, I feel there are now enough charities supporting them and I want to help these children have a better future and quality of life.

“I decided to try and get a charity place but was faced with the daunting challenge of finding one I felt I could really help and not just go through the motions of simply raising money to secure my place.”

MACS was founded in 1994 as around 80 to 90 children are born with MACS condition in the UK every year.

The charity helps 1,800 people across the UK by supporting them at each stage of their journey by providing peer support, financial aid and opportunities to take part in life changing activities and trips.

To donate to Mr Hilly, visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MartinHill.VLM.Brighton.100miler.2018