A FORMER Royal Marines commando turned personal trainer will put his self-isolation to use by running 61 miles back and forth across his flat.

Sean Wilson, who served as a signaller in Afghanistan with 43 Commando, is more used to tackling challenges like the gruelling Oxfam Gurkha Trailwalker.

He completed the 100km slog, which was conceived as an endurance test for the Queen’s Gurkha Signals, when he was just 18.

Now constrained to his flat with his partner, Sophie, he is still finding ways to go the distance.

Sean, 30, from Colchester, said: “Everyone is feeling the effects of self-isolation.

“I left the military last year to start a business and find myself in a pretty poor situation, and yet there’s also a hell of a lot I need to be grateful for.

“Thinking of the older folk who have nobody to talk to or ask for help absolutely breaks my heart, so I’ve decided to help.”

Sean will run 100km in his flat, which is just six metres in length.

“It equates to around 16,000 lengths,” he said.

“I’m anticipating it will take at least 15 hours, but due to the constant stop, start nature, it could take a lot longer.”

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He added: “I wanted to do it indoors firstly because it would be more of a challenge, but also because I feel it’s so important to limit our exposure to other people as much as possible.”

Supporters will be able to watch as Sean tackles the challenge, with all funds raised donated to Age UK.

Sean spent eight years with the Royal Marines, describing it as a “brotherhood unlike any other.”

He has some words of advice for any aspiring recruits.

“I served with 43 Commando in Scotland before working at RM Poole for the remainder of my career,” he said.

“I served in Afghanistan as a signaller and got to travel the world, from Australia, to Brunei, and the United States, and many places in the Middle East.

“Joining the Royal Marines was the single most important decision of my life.

“I feel like it has given me so much, from the best friends I will ever have, to a greater confidence in myself, and a truly exciting and varied life.

“I don’t think I would be half the person I am if it wasn’t for the Marines.

“For those aspiring to be a Royal Marine, make sure it’s something you truly want to do and keep in mind that it isn’t a James Bond film.

“There’s a lot of lying in puddles being very cold, but it’s a brotherhood unlike any other, and a part of my life which I wouldn’t change for the world.”

After leaving the military late last year and starting his own personal training business, he had taken on clients before the coronavirus pandemic struck.

His decision couldn’t have come at a worse time.

Although he is feeling the financial strain, he is optimistic, used to adapting and will not sit still.

“The lack of business is a big worry, but I have a lot of other things to be grateful about,” he said.

“I am taking the opportunity to try to grow in other areas, learning the guitar and improving elements of my business so I am in a good position when all this is over.”

His challenge serves a dual purpose, helping to support the elderly and isolated while encouraging the maintenance of an active lifestyle amid the lockdown.

“I think more than anything it’s important for people to exercise for the mental benefits,” he said.

“I certainly know exercise puts me in a far better state of mind and I think more than ever people are appreciating what a brisk walk outside can do for the mind.

“At the moment most people’s highlight of the day is their brief period of time outside. Ensuring you get out for your daily walk or bike ride is extremely important.”

To donate to the cause, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/sean-wilson21.

Sean’s business, Point One, can be found at point-one.co.uk.