A TOP West Devon chef will soon be swapping his trademark spotty trousers for running trainers, when he takes part in his first marathon for a charity close to his heart. Peter Gorton, of the Horn of Plenty restaurant at Gulworthy, will be running the London Flora Marathon on Sunday, April 13 in aid of Children's Hospice South West's Precious Lives Appeal. The appeal has been launched to raise money to build a children's hospice in Cornwall to bring hospice care closer to life-limited children and their families in Devon and Cornwall. As a father of two, Peter understands the impact a child's illness can have on a family and has pledged to help in any way he can. He said: 'When my daughter was born, she was very ill and still has learning difficulties now. So I knew that I wanted to help children as much as possible and started to raise money for Children's Hospice South West. 'Running the London Marathon means a great personal challenge, as I am getting older. It will be a personal achievement to complete the marathon, but the fact that I will be raising money to help children will drive me on to the finish line.' Judy Pride, community fundraiser for Plymouth paid tribute to Peter's efforts on behalf of the hospice. She said: 'Peter is the most enthusiastic and committed supporter that CHSW could ever wish for. 'Despite being such a busy person, he always finds time to help whenever he can and it is fantastic that he is taking part in the London Flora Marathon. 'He and his business partner Paul Roston have put on the CHSW lunches for many years and this year have really pushed the boat out, giving us eight weeks and every day was full.'