A SHREWTON builder is running the London marathon next month to try and raise more than £3,000 for Children with Leukaemia.

Neil Chapman (33) decided to take part in the challenge and raise money for the charity, after seeing a friend battle with the illness while they were at school together.

He said: "As soon as I saw that I could run for Children with Leukaemia, I automatically thought of my old schoolfriend and decided that was the charity I wanted to support.

"It was also a good opportunity to try and lose some weight!"

Neil has been preparing for the gruelling 26-mile course by running three times a week.

"I'm hoping to run the course in four to four-and-a-half hours," said Neil.

"I'm really looking forward to it and I think it will be a very worthwhile experience."

He added: "If there's anybody out there thinking of doing the marathon, I would say go for it, it's a really good thing to do."

If you would like to sponsor Neil, contact him on 07711 205657.