Running one marathon is an achievement in itself but a resident from Norwich will be undertaking his fifth to raise money for people with burns and scars.

Richard Dade of Augustus Hare Drive in Earlham is running the Virgin London Marathon next month for the Katie Piper Foundation.

The 41-year-old explained why he had decided to take on the challenge for the fifth time: 'I said I wouldn't run this year but then I saw something on facebook saying would you like to run for the Katie Piper Foundation.

'The cause is something that doesn't get a lot of awareness as it is almost a taboo thing that people don't talk about but I wanted to get the message out there.'

The Katie Piper Foundation started after aspiring model and TV presenter Katie Piper, survived an attack in March 2008 where sulphuric acid was thrown in her face.

After countless treatments and therapies, Katie has set up the foundation to create the first dedicated burns and scar management centre and rehabilitation clinic in the UK.

Mr Dade is aiming to raise �3000 which will go towards the centre and help launch a mentorship program that would bring burns survivors together to support each other.

'The last five miles of the marathon will be the longest of my life,' said Mr Dade.

'When I do that final stage I will have a lump in my throat.'

Running for cancer charities previously, Mr Dade has raised over �12,000 to date and will be organising more events in the run up to the marathon on April 17, which includes a charity auction night on April 9 at Hethersett Village Hall. Many local and national businesses have donated prizes already, from football memorabilia to a signed photo from an a-list hollywood actor,

For more information or to sponsor Mr Dade visit www.justgiving.com/Richard-Dade1 or call 07951 105 772.

Katie's new documentary 'Katie - My Beautiful Friends' is currently showing on Channel 4 and continues tomorrow at 9pm.

For more information visit www.katiepiperfoundation.org.uk or call 0208 849 8957.