A type 1 diabetes sufferer from Bexleyheath is embarking on a mammoth task of running 25 marathons in just one month to raise awareness and money.

Gavin Griffiths, 26, is looking to raise a total of £10,000 for the League of DiAthletes programme, which he founded in 2012.

The programme aims to find ways to educate people about type 1 diabetes and support those who suffer from the condition across the world.

After being diagnosed with the illness at the age of eight, Mr Griffiths has dedicated his time to completing physical challenges to support diabetes research.

Mr Griffiths told News Shopper he struggled to adjust when he first found out he suffered from the illness.

“It was those early years that were hardest. It’s not something you expect to happen.

“It took about ten years before I really felt like myself again.”

He added the most difficult part of learning to cope with type 1 is the strain it puts on daily life.

“The hardest thing for me was going back to school [after diagnosis].”

He added: “When you’re diagnosed, the family also has to be diagnosed with you.”

But for the last ten years, Mr Griffiths has run a total of 2,200 miles to raise money and awareness of type 1 diabetes.

Referred to by many as a ‘DiAthlete’ himself, Mr Griffiths is now 25 physical challenges away from reaching 100 – so he decided to complete all 25 in one go.

“I think when I was a child I was dropped on my head,” he joked.

Starting today (April 13) in Margate, Mr Griffiths’ marathon mission will take him all over the country until he returns to London on May 13.

Along the way, he will be asking children who suffer from type 1 to keep him company for the odd mile, and teach them not to underestimate themselves.

“That bit will keep me running the next day,” Mr Griffiths told News Shopper.

Although he is taking on a huge physical feat, Mr Griffiths has never been one to let his condition affect his determination.

“There is no limit to what I can achieve,” he said.

Mr Griffiths will be equipped with a monitoring device to keep an eye on his glucose levels while he runs.

There is just one small problem he is slightly concerned about as he prepares to run 655 miles in 30 days – getting to the next start line on time.