AN experienced runner is gearing up to take on his first marathon to raise money for a charity that has supported his father.

Mark Hoy, 33, of Angel Gate, in Harwich, will be competing in the London Marathon on April 26 after being accepted from the ballot after his only application.

He has been training with 20 mile runs and half-marathons, and is hoping to raise as much money as possible for the Alzheimer’s Society, which has helped his father Ray for the past six years. Mr Hoy said: “Training has not been too bad and I entered the Colchester Half Marathon last weekend, then there will be a few more training runs before the big day.

“I used to run in my younger days, but I only picked it up again about three years ago.

“This will be my first full marathon and I am getting more excited and nervous as it gets closer and closer.

“I have never applied before, so I am really lucky to have been picked out.

“After I was picked, I decided to do it for a charity and thought the Alzheimer’s Society would be best because my dad has been suffering from it for the last six years.”

To donate, go to justgiv ing.com/Mark-Hoy1/