A seasoned athlete and charity fundraiser who is facing one of the toughest challenges of his life was today named an Express & Star Local Hero in recognition of his steely determination.

Ultra distance and marathon runner Glyn Marston is the first 2007 winner – and will be among heroes from across the region invited to a special ceremony at the end of the year.

The Local Heroes Awards, supported by Birmingham Midshires and Wolves, celebrate the bravery or community spirit of ordinary people in the West Midlands and Staffordshire.

Mr Marston can never run again after suffering irreparable damage to his right knee. If he ignores doctor’s orders, he faces a lifetime confined to a wheelchair.

However, he is determined to add thousands more to the money he has already collected over the years for the National Autistic Society.

The father-of-two, who was brought up in Willenhall, is determined to continue competing and has decided to train as a wheelchair athlete, setting his sights on the Wolverhampton Carver half marathon as his first test.

The 44-year-old, who now works for his brother in Wolverhampton, said: “I’m choked to get this award. I filled up when I was told.”

Mr Marston, who took up running in 1993, has crossed the line in 65 marathons and also in 45 ultra-distance races.