Global marathon trek for John, 76

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John Griffiths is limbering up to tackle five marathons across the world in one year - at the age of 76.

The grandfather from Swansea, aims to complete the 26-mile runs in the USA, England, Africa, and Australia in 2007.

The former Royal Engineers warrant officer took up marathon running five years ago as part of his exercise regime after retirement.

He aims to raise money for children's charity Barnardo's, who raised him and some of his 11 brothers and sisters.

One thing I'd like to do now that I'm fit enough to run marathons is to say thank you to Barnardo's and all their current day staff John Griffiths

Mr Griffiths, from Loughor, will begin with the Disney World marathon in Florida on 7 January, and then hopes to complete the others locations as varied as London, Nairobi and Sydney, rounding it off in New York in November.

New York was where he began his marathon career five years ago, and he has since completed others in London and Cardiff.

His best time so far has been 3 hours 52 mins 59 secs in London in 2004, although he will aim next year to do anything under five hours if he can.

After leaving the Army at the age of 42, he became a coach and HGV driver, but after retirement he was told by his wife Audrey that he needed to start exercising.

"I did 25 years in the services and I was extremely fit for what I had to do," said Mr Griffiths.

Raised in orphanages

"When I was retired I'm afraid I did what everyone did in those days - sat down and watched the telly and put a lot of weight on.

"My wife said to me, 'I think you'd better so something' so I went to the gym."

He then decided to raise funds for Barnardo's because he said: "I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for them".

After being raised in various orphanages in and around London, he was sent to Wales as a 14-year-old.

"I'm just on 76 now, but when I was a foundling Barnardo's took me in and nurtured me," said Mr Griffiths, who has four children and eight grandchildren.

"I left with a little chip on my shoulder like we all do because we were unable to get records.

"But when the law changed nobody could have been more helpful than they were and they've told me all they can about myself."

He has since discovered that his mother married a soldier from Australia, and then went to live there. He has also met all but two of his 11 siblings.

"One thing I'd like to do now that I'm fit enough to run marathons is to say thank you to Barnardo's and all their current day staff," he said.