AN AWARD-winning photographer and conservationist known for his work in Africa and the Polar regions, Paul Goldstein is on route to completing 25 marathons in 25 days.

Paul passed through Monmouth last week to the fascination of local people, who spoke to him to learn more about how he embarked on his journey and how it was going so far.

Paul began his journey in Scotland in a place called Tigerton and aims to finish at Tiger Bay in Cardiff, saying that despite the effort being agonising the support he has received from friends, family, colleagues and people along the way it makes it worth it.

He told The Beacon the difference between training for a walking marathon and an ordinary running marathon is the consistent effort to get the miles done each day but says the community and support from people who have joined him and who he has met along the way have kept his spirits high and been a great support system.

“Other people make a big difference; the support team is extraordinary. You just get into a Zen-like state where you don’t think about tomorrow or about the finish or what you’re going to eat that night, you think about the next mile and the one after that.

“But most importantly not until about now have I ever thought for a moment, I was going to complete it.”

Paul confirms there have been many memorable moments throughout his journey.

“I think it’s the moments you have with people; you make a lot of difference.”

From the marathons they have nearly raised £30,000 and it's all going towards Tigers4Ever charity, preventing the extinction of tigers, trying to reduce tigers' death due to poaching/ poisoning to ensure they have a wild future.

Paul completed his 25th marathon in his tiger suit on Everest. Overall, he has nearly raised £500,000 for endangered species, mainly tigers.

The cause has attracted huge support from the public and Paul said he has been touch by how many people have rushed out with cups of tea and cakes as he walked past their homes

“They want to be invested in it, and does that make a difference, of course it does.”

Most people want to ask Paul how it feels to walk for miles wearing a tiger on his back, especially for such a long time.

“It’s not that heavy but it’s awkward and when it’s raining and windy it gets tough,” s aid Paul.

The tiger itself is waterproof, and made from a variety of materials including resin, polystyrene and Styrofoam on a metal frame. It’s based on a photograph Paul took in 2005, and was first used in a marathon in 2010 and has now accompanied Paul for his last 46 marathons.

This challenge is extraordinary and is a remarkable opportunity to raise money and awareness for charity. It is a remarkable reminder that, as Paul says ‘whilst tigers cannot speak for themselves, we can choose to be their voice’.