A WEST Devon student will be Mr Busy over the next few weeks as he steps up his training in preparation for running this year?s Flora London Marathon. John O?Donoghue will be joining the Mr Men and Little Miss team at next month?s marathon to raise funds for the charity Children with Leukaemia. John comes from Meeth, but the 20 year-old student is currently in the second year of a sport and leisure management course at Loughborough University. He is aiming to raise £1,000 for Children with Leukaemia at the event on April 23. John, who has never taken part in a fullmarathon, is currently training around Loughborough in preparation. He recently took part in the half-marathon at Bideford and recorded a time of 1hr 40mins. And he has competed in the 13-mile Ruby Run race between Hatherleigh and Holsworthy. John said running in the London Marathon had been something he had wanted to do since he was 18. ?I have always enjoyed running and playing football, but a marathon is a big challenge,? he said. He said he was keen to do what he could to help raise funds and awareness for the charity that invests time and money into research as well as caring for those affected and their families. On the day, more than 1,000 runners will take part for Children with Leukaemia, including six huge Mr Men and Little Miss costumes. Also raising funds at this year?s event for Children with Leukaemia is Sir Steve Redgrave and famous fundraiser Lloyd Scott ? best known for completing the 2002 marathon in a deep sea divers suit. If you would like to help sponsor John, you can e-mail him at [email protected]">[email protected] for a sponsorship form, any cheques should be made payable to Children with Leukaemia.
