Southampton-based astrophysicist Dr Phil Wiseman is prepping to run seven marathons in seven days from Gloucestershire to London, ending with the high-profile London Marathon on April 21.

Dr Wiseman is raising funds for the MS Society, to pay tribute to his mother Ann who battles the same disease. Kicking off his formidable week, April 15, from his childhood home in Tewsbury, Gloucestershire, Dr Wiseman, 31, will cover 42 kilometres daily.

His route tick-boxes notable locations from his life, including his parental home, his current residence in Chandler’s Ford, and his mother’s birthplace in South London.

Bringing a dash of sartorial splendour to the route, Dr Wiseman will wear a different costume each day, decided by his top sponsors.

As he passes through Chandler’s Ford on April 18, he will be accompanied by his running team, the Chandler’s Ford Swifts.

Dr Wiseman said: “My mum’s progressive MS was diagnosed almost 20 years ago and, with this year being her 65th birthday, I wanted to take on a significant challenge to raise money and awareness of multiple sclerosis.

“I have run marathons before, so it needed to be something bigger than that. I just hope I can make it through seven days back-to-back!”

Pledges for his endeavour are being raised via a fundraising page set up for the MS Society.