THE description ‘a marathon’ fundraising effort does not do justice to one Halesowen man’s charity quest – because he’s run almost the equivalent of one every week this year.

Matthew Shilvock is running 5km every day and has already smashed his target of £1k for Smile for Joel - a charity set up in memory of Joel Richards who died alongside his grandad and uncle in a terrorist attack in Tunisia in 2015.

Matthew has raised £1.2k and has now set himself a £2k goal at his JustGiving page.

The 40-year-old was motivated to raise cash for the charity as his good friend West Bromwich Albion mascot and West Midlands referee Richard Eades was friends with Joel.

Sadly Richard, who was Albion mascot Albi, died of a heart attack aged 42, in 2017.

Stourbridge News: Richard Eades with his partner Carly and their children Lily and Archie.Richard Eades with his partner Carly and their children Lily and Archie.

Matthew said: "Richard was a family man, an enthusiastic WBA supporter who had worked for the club in various roles since the age of 15.

"He also ran and played for the WBA supporters team 'Boing FC' for many years.

"He was a good friend and is sadly missed by all that knew him.

"Whilst I never had the pleasure of meeting Joel, I know Richard was very fond of Joel being a fellow referee and a good friend and he was deeply saddened by Joel's death.

"Richard actively promoted the Smile for Joel charity which helps shattered and broken families who are victims of traumatic bereavement through homicide."

Matthew, of Brier Road, is on course to complete the feat – so far he's run 930 miles, 120 hours 34 mins of running and the equivalent of 35 marathons.

The keen runner and Villa fan – who has completed the London marathon twice – said he had given up other sports like kickboxing, squash and football while he completes the 5k-a-day so as not to sustain an injury.

The electrical engineer for Jaguar Land Rover, added: “It's been a challenge, but not too bad. In the week I run after work, at about 4.30pm and on weekends at about 9am.

"I tend to take different routes as if I did the same every day I would go crazy!"

Matthew's girlfriend Alison Brindley, aged 33, has run every Sunday with him for the last 17 weeks and his friends have also been running partners on occasions.

Matthew said he was also inspired to take on the challenge after his friend Craig Davidson did the 5k a day last year to raise funds for Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge.