Martyn White, former head of communications at the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship (CSRF) and Greenwich resident, has entered the Thames Path Challenge, an ultra-marathon that will see him run upstream from Putney Bridge past Hampton Court to Runnymede of Magna Carta fame.

Martyn will be running to raise funds to support the CSRF’s Greenwich Riverside Group, the newest of the charity’s local community groups.

Launched in September 2017 the group offers a forum for local retirees in the Greenwich area to enjoy some companionship and leisure activities and attendance has grown steadily monthly.

Their programme has included visits to Charlton House, the National Maritime Museum, Museum of Docklands and the Fan Museum in Greenwich.

Martyn said: “I was privileged to be involved with the setting up of the Greenwich Riverside group when I was working at the CSRF and have seen first-hand how much the members enjoy their group.

"We tried applying to some local trusts and foundations with no success so hopefully I can raise at least £500 to go into the group’s funds and help support them.”

Martyn will be running a total distance of 50km on September 8. Donations can be made online at www.csrf.org.uk/thames-path-challenge