FIRST time marathon runner Glenn Payne has been putting in all the leg work to ensure he makes it through the 26.2 gruelling miles.

 

Mr Payne, 37, of Braeburn Road, Great Horkesley, will be taking part in the London event on April 21 to raise cash for the Meningitis Trust.

It is a cause which strikes a chord with the dad-of-one, as his father, John, battled the life-threatening illness many years ago.

 

John made a full recovery but the experience has prompted Mr Payne to pull on his running shoes to raise awareness of the illness.

Mr Payne said: “For me it is something I have wanted to do for a personal challenge.

“It is difficult to pick a specific charity, there are so many that do fantastic jobs.

“I chose the Meningitis Trust because I felt it was something that is not always highlighted or people don’t appreciate what the conditions are or how to prevent them if confronted by them.”

 

While Mr Payne has not completed in any running events before, he said his training his going well and he will test himself by running the Colchester Half Marathon next month.

Come London marathon day, he will be supported in the crowds by friends and family including wife Faye and daughter Ruby, aged three.

 

He added: “I am not going to lie and say there isn’t a slight bit of nervousness but as long as I can keep to the training schedule and keep raising money I am sure I will be fine on the day.”

You can sponsor Mr Payne at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=GlennPayne