TOM Lewis is looking forward to an extra hour in bed over the coming days as he tackles the last few days of an energy sapping 27 half marathons in as many days.

Tom has been getting up at 4.40am since Monday, October 3, to slog his way over 13 miles to raise money for cancer charity CLIC Sargent before heading off to work.

But he is on annual leave after Thursday until the end of his challenge on Saturday week and plans to 'lie in' until 5.40am.

"It's quite hard work getting up early and running before work, then juggling that with family life, looking after my son, James, who's four," said Tom, 33, of Bathpool, a vehicle technician with Howards Honda, in Priorswood, Taunton.

"It's pretty tiring, but I don't feel too bad. I've already beaten my target of raising £1,000 and hopefully I'll have raised £2,000 by the end of it."

Tom, who has been running for pleasure for several years, chose to support CLIC Sargent as the charity supported him and his family when he had a brain tumour removed at the age of six.

"We were so grateful for their support and I wanted to say thank you," he said.

"My inspiration came from Eddie Izzard, who ran 27 marathons in 27 days for Sport Relief."

During the week, Tom's runs take him up into the Quantock Hills, while at weekend he tackles a route around Taunton.

His best time so far has been one hour 35 minutes, although the hilly route over the Quantocks takes ten minutes longer.

"My family, especially my wife, Laura, think I'm mad, but they've been very supportive, as have a couple of businesses, who have allowed me to have free massages, saunas and use of the steam room," added Tom.

"I've been wearing a CLIC Sargent running tops during the half marathons, so if people see me out, please can they give me a 'beep, beep' as I need all the support I can get."

To sponsor Tom, visit his JustGiving page or text SARG83 followed by your donation to 70070.