73093-23THE manager of a Swindon sandwich bar is hoping to complete a trio of feats for charity when he does the New York Marathon.

By day Jason Cuthbert is the franchise owner for two branches of O'Brien's sandwich bar, but in the evening he has been pounding the streets training for his fundraising efforts for a children's charity.

After a 65-mile cycle ride in Ireland and the Bristol half marathon, Jason is now gearing up for the New York marathon on November 7.

Jason said: "I have been running for a couple of years, but only started doing it seriously in May when I got a place in the race.

"Since then I've followed a structured training programme, and I did the Bristol half marathon as part of that. I ran it in one hour and 54 minutes, a little quicker than I expected." The 36-year-old has been running around 35 miles a week. He said: "I'm cutting back now as the race is soon. I have to make sure I have enough energy."

During the training Jason underwent diet changes.

He said: "I've stuck to the plan, which has meant no alcohol, lots of water and porridge. I'm looking forward to a beer after the race."

He has already raised £1,100 for Christina Noble Children's Foundation, a charity providing housing and schooling for underprivileged children. The charity is O'Brien's Sandwich Bars' nominated charity for the year.

The race will mean a return to Jason's favourite city, where he used to work in a clothes store.

He said: "I worked for Gap in New York for seven months and loved it there. That's partly why I wanted to do that marathon."

His wife, Angela, 34, is going with him to America and will be cheering Jason along First Avenue. To sponsor Jason phone 01793 480333.