The mayor of Weston-super-Mare is set to run a marathon around the seaside town to raise money for a local foodbank charity.

Cllr Ciaran Cronnelly will be running 26 miles for the Weston Foodbank on Saturday, March 2.

The foodbank has seen demand surge recently, due to a rise in living costs and has been the lifeline for many residents impacted by food insecurity.

Mayor Cronnelly has been undertaking diligent training to prepare for this physical and mental challenge.

Despite dealing with a swollen ankle and even having to call for a lift when he ran too far during training, he remains committed to the cause: "The foodbank is a lifeline for many residents, without them some people in Weston would go hungry.

"That’s why I’m running this marathon – to raise funds and ensure that our community members have access to the support they need."

The marathon route will traverse each ward of the parish, with pauses at three substantial points for supporters to express encouragement and offer contributions.

The Landing Light, the Old Manor Inn, and The Windsor Castle have generously volunteered to serve as water stations along the marathon route, bolstering the community's involvement.

Weston Mercury: Cllr Ciaran Cronnelly will be running 26 miles for the Weston Foodbank on Saturday, March 2

Training has not been the mayor's sole responsibility, in addition to his full-time job, he has been fitting in training mainly on Sundays due to most mayoral duties being on weekends.

Personal responsibilities like a delayed honeymoon and the mayoress’s pregnancy have added to the complexities of his training schedule.

The community has rallied in support for the mayor, with local organisations such as Weston-super-Mare Football Club, Park Run, Weston Athletic Club, champion gymnasts at Weston Gymnastics Centre, local netball clubs, and even Anytime Fitness on the Grand Pier assisting with training.

To date, the mayor has managed to raise an impressive £7,000 for the foodbank via personal donations from residents, local organisations and businesses.

His aim is to raise £10,000 by the end of the marathon.

Contributions can be made to the foodbank via the official donation page at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/MayorWsM.

All donations make a significant impact and aid the fight against food insecurity in Weston-super-Mare.

Mayor's Marathon Around Weston is not just a fundraiser, but also an initiative reflecting the unity, resilience, and compassion that define the Weston-super-Mare community.