He is taking part in the New York Marathon on November 1, the world’s most famous race which is watched by two million spectators.

His inspiration will come from the struggle teenagers face with depression.

“Running a marathon is a pretty big personal achievement,” he said.

“It requires considerable discipline, mental toughness and willingness to endure pain and fatigue.

“When it gets tough I pull inspiration from many sources.

“I see the mental toughness and the ability to endure pain required by someone with depression to simply survive helps me continue.”

Marwick said he had several reminders over the past year of the struggle faced by teenagers with depression.

“One was meeting and working with a delightful, friendly and intelligent employee of my daughter who suffers depression.

“Her honesty about her struggles has inspired me to put my difficulties into perceptive.

“Another was witnessing the impact on the families and the community after the suicide of two young Albany girls.”

Finally, after the suicide of a close friend following a short and well-concealed battle with depression, John educated himself about the disease.

“My world has been opened up to the many things we can do to help provide a more healthy environment and functional support for teenagers and other people with depression.”

Marwick urged anyone suffering from depression to seek professional help from a school counsellor or local GP.

When not running marathons he is employed by Great Southern Tafe, training local Noongars at a farm in Redmond.