THE PRESIDENT of Maidenhead Rotary has picked up a “shocking” amount of litter during his running fundraiser.

Martin Trepte, 56, of Woodley, Reading, began the 1,000-mile challenge on July 1, when he became president of the club, in aid of the UNICEF Crisis Appeal for Yemen.

After six months, he has already run more than 800 miles and raised £2,461 while picking up litter along the way.

His aim is to raise awareness of plastic pollution as he supports UNICEF with vital funds for its services.

READ MORE: Households near Reading left without power this morning

The keen runner, who’s embarked on many full and half marathons, Mr Trepte said: “It’s a very personal commitment for me as my wife is from Yemen and her family lives there.

“Running solo is also a way of fundraising that can’t be stopped by Covid restrictions.”

Mr Trepte hopes to complete the challenge by June.

He added: “It's incredible how much people casually throw away by the roadside that could easily be recycled.

“I post a photo of my weekly haul on Facebook and plan to do a montage of the photos when I've finished to hopefully convey the scale of the issue.”

With protecting the environment as a focus for the rotary club, Mr Trepte has been picking up the litter in support of the Rotary’s environmental campaign End Plastic Soup.

The initiative’s aim is to stop single-use plastics going into rivers and oceans by 2050.

READ MORE: Olly Stephen's family to hold memorial today one year from teenager's tragic death

Mr Trepte said: “Plastics break down into tiny pieces in our seas and rivers, threatening the environment and our health, so during my runs I take a bag with me and pick up litter as I go.

“The amount I collect every week is shocking, though most of the plastic and cans can be recycled.”

As well as being involved with Rotary, Mr Trepte is also a director of Maidenhead Festival and a school governor.

To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/martin-trepte