A SCHOOL caretaker has raised thousands of pounds for charity after running five marathons in five consecutive days.

St Bartholomew’s CE Primary School caretaker Andy Birch, 52, from Portslade, ran the Brighton Marathon and then four marathons of his own.

Inspired by comedian Eddie Izzard’s 27 marathons in 27 days charity challenge last year, Andy ran an amazing 131 miles raising just over £3,200 for The Martlets.

The achievement is even more remarkable as Andy thought his chances of completing the challenge were dashed after he collapsed on the finishing line of the Brighton Marathon.

He said: “I crossed the line and picked up the medal then all of a sudden I felt really faint.

“Next thing I’ve come round and I have drips in my arms and I’m being looked after by a doctor. They said my blood had congealed.

“They heard of my plan to run four more marathons and said ‘No way’. But being stubborn and feeling ok, I decided I’d go for it.”

Andy embarked on a marathon a day, starting at the Steve Ovett statue on Brighton seafront then running to Ferring, past Worthing Pier, and back.

He said: “The more marathons I did, the easier it got. I could have done another one the day after my last.

“Word got out about my challenge and total strangers were cycling with me for part of it or running with me.

“My wife thinks I’m mad, but I think deep down she’s quite proud. Everyone keeps asking me what I’m going to do next.”

St Bartholomew’s pupils, who raised £214 to sponsor their caretaker, were thrilled by his success.

Headteacher Katie Blood said: “We are all really proud of him and he has done really well.

“The children were really behind him, so everyone’s thrilled.”

Andy said: “The Martlets has been grateful. People close to me in the last couple of years have stayed there.”

The Martlets cares for terminally ill people from Brighton and Hove and around Sussex.