A WELSH actor put his feet to the test at the ABP Newport Wales Marathon in the first of several fitness challenges to raise money for three charities.

Mark Lewis Jones, who has filmed Star Wars and Keeping Faith over the last year, took part in the marathon and is also set to tackle the Ironman Wales event in Tenby in September.

The actor is raising money for the Marie Curie hospice in Penarth, as well as blood cancer research charity Bloodwise and organ donation charity Believe. He has also been busy in his role as Pay for a Day Ambassador for the Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff and the Vale.

Mr Jones is aiming to raise as much money as possible and said: “I have visited the hospice on many occasions and I’ve had the privilege of being introduced to the hospice staff and some of the patients. I have always found the atmosphere at the hospice to be inspiring – it is an extraordinary place.

“The care and support that is given is remarkable; nothing is too much trouble for the nurses. Paying for 24 hours of care at the hospice is a way of providing patients and families with remarkable care and support. It is something I am proud to be a part of and I am looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead.”

Mr Jones finished the ABP Newport Marathon in a time of 3:33:21 and praised the event.

He said: “It was a pleasure to take part in the inaugural Newport Marathon. Perfect conditions and a beautiful, flat course. There was great support en route and I was very proud to take part. Long may it continue.”

The actor previously raised money ahead of a 47-mile run across the Brecon Beacons that was due to take place in 2016, but this had to be cancelled due to an injury.

He said: “The £1456.40 that is in the Just Giving account will still go directly to Marie Curie. Anything that is raised from now on will be split three ways. “