Man to run seven marathons in Europe in seven days

Ibi Akhtar is starting the marathon challenge in Crete, where his school friend died

A man is taking on seven marathons in seven countries in seven days, in memory of his best friend from school.

Ibi Akhtar, from west London, will begin the challenge in Crete. His friend Archie Lloyd died on the Greek island aged 18 while they were on an interrailing trip across Europe in 2015.

The 27-year-old's first run will be on 15 September, followed by marathons in Athens, Budapest, Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam. His last challenge will be in London.

The route is a reverse of the destinations the friends visited before Mr Lloyd's death.

Ibi Akhtar and Archie Lloyd were boarders together at Harrow School

Mr Akhtar, from Hammersmith, said he had been training for six months for the challenge.

He has worked with the same coach as Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews, who ran 30 marathons in 30 days as part of the Great Desert Challenge in Jordan.

"On the surface it's a massive physical challenge... and an emotional one for me as well," Mr Akhtar said.

"I'm taking confidence from my training, but there is this nervous energy. I'm really excited."

He has plotted a marathon route in each city and plans to complete the runs in the morning before catching an afternoon flight each day to the next city.

Mr Akhtar has already exceeded his fundraising target of £10,000

Mr Akhtar and Mr Lloyd boarded together at Harrow School from the age of 13 to 18.

"We were growing up together and sharing a room. It's like a sleepover for five years with your best pal," he said.

"We were in the same house at school together and we were planning on going to university together."

Mr Akhtar completed his degree at the University of Exeter, where Mr Lloyd had also received an offer. He died days before A-level results day.

Mr Akhtar described his best friend as an "incredible cricketer" and keen sportsman - something that inspired Mr Lloyd's parents to set up grant-giving sports charity teamArchie, in his name.

Ahead of his seven marathons, Mr Akhtar has already exceeded his fundraising target of £10,000 for teamArchie.

"I'm ecstatic," he said. "It adds a kind of pressure as well... gives you that kick."

He added that Mr Lloyd's parents were "quite emotional" when he first told them he wanted to take on the challenge for their charity.

"The charity for me is a continuation of who Archie was as a person," he said.

The funds he raises will be granted to Football Beyond Borders, which supports children who are disengaged at school, and the Alsama Project, which sets up sports hubs in refugee camps in Lebanon.