A man is set to run the London Marathon in aid of a homeless charity after he found out the extent of the issue in Waltham Forest.

Matthew Robinson, of Harold Road, Chingford, will run the famous 26.2 mile endurance race on April 24 for charity Shelter.

He is aiming to raise £2,000 for the charity, which says there are currently 1,543 homeless households in Waltham Forest.

The 23-year-old said: “It was on my bucket list to do the London Marathon so I am really excited but also to raise awareness for a great charity.

“I was emailed by Shelter with the statistics of the amount homeless people in the borough, I was shocked.

“In 2016 there should be no homeless in Waltham Forest, so I am happy to raise money for Shelter.”

Mr Robinson, who attended Chingford’s Heathcote School, completed the Welwyn half marathon on March 20 in two hours, nine minutes and 31 seconds.

He said he is confident he will be able to finish the London Marathon in under four hours, having trained since January three to four times a week.

He added: “I am not very sporty and have not done much running before this year so it will be a massive challenge.

“But I am confident because of the amount of training I have done.

“The half marathon was challenging and I learned a few things which will be valuable next month, keeping hydrated and eating properly beforehand.

“My family will be there cheering me on so that will keep me going.”

To donate to Mr Robinson’s cause, click here.