Colchester resident Dean Wicks running 2,021 miles for Kidney Research UK

The 33-year-old has vowed to run every day this year, as well as taking on an eye-watering 50-kilometre ultra-marathon in July and October's London Marathon.

Mr Wicks has already clocked up hundreds of miles - his target for 2021 is 2,021 miles - and is doing it for Kidney Research UK.

It is a charity that means a lot to him as kidney disease has afflicted four members of his family.

Running machine - Dean Wicks is raising funds for Kidney Research UK

Dad Leslie suffered kidney failure and was on dialysis for seven years before having a transplant in 1984.

The donation enabled him to lead a relatively active and normal life, until he died after an unrelated cancer fight in 2009, aged 54.

It later transpired that three of Mr Wicks' brothers have the same disease, including younger sibling Kyle, 30, who fell ill in 2010.

"My family have been badly affected by kidney disease," said the dad of four, who is married to Leanne and lives in Helen Ewing Place, Monkwick.

"Dad had his transplant before we were born and then Kyle was rushed to hospital with kidney failure in 2010.

"We've since found out two more of my brothers have the same disease.

"Kyle needs regular dialysis, but my other brothers are able to try and control it as best they can.

"This is why the charity means so much to me and I'm trying to raise as much as possible, while also raising awareness of kidney disease.

"I was due to run the London Marathon last year but when it was cancelled and took place virtually, I clocked up the entire 26.2 miles in my garden in Colchester."

Running machine - Dean Wicks is raising funds for Kidney Research UK

Not prepared to rest on his laurels, Mr Wicks, whose children are Jayden, 11, Harvey, ten, Charlie, seven, and Isla, four, decided to set himself more running challenges for 2021.

He is already three months into his year-long running streak.

Running machine - Dean Wicks is raising funds for Kidney Research UK

"So far, so good," said the roofing supplies salesman for Total Roofing Supplies, in Colchester.

"In fact, it's getting easier as the days go on, having had a bit of a dark patch in early February.

"The nice weather helps and I've set myself a target of at least five kilometres a day, although I generally do five miles on a weekday.

"At the weekends I do longer runs as I'm also preparing for my first 50k ultra in July and - fingers crossed - the London Marathon for real in October.

"I really enjoy the challenge and haven't had any niggles or injuries yet.

"Hopefully it stays that way.

"I did some runs on the treadmill a couple of months ago, when the weather was bad, and found it pretty draining mentally, rather than physically.

"It was a relief to get back outside and, since then, I've gone from strength to strength.

"I'm very competitive and get a lot out of it, even though it's only something I've done for a couple of years.

"After dad died, my weight piled on and I started my weight loss journey by cycling, back in 2014.

"However, running has since taken over and I love it. To date, I've lost over seven stone.

"Raising funds and awareness makes it extra special.

"It helps me remain focused on keeping the weight off or down and also helps me focus on making dad proud."

To support Mr Wicks' running efforts, visit virginmoneygiving.com/DeanWicks2