HE has jumped out of a plane for charity and now the London Marathon beckons for Michael Allen (pictured left) from Okehampton.

The retired residential home owner may be approaching 60 but he is still game for a challenge.

Mr Allen has raised a lot of money for good causes over the years and this time The Leaze Day Centre is to benefit from his efforts.

He has been in training since Christmas for the marathon on Sunday which he has wanted to run for many years.

'I started applying five years ago but until now I have not been successful,' he said. 'I was delighted when I got the news but my family were stunned.

'They started out thinking I was a raving lunatic. But they have come round because they have watched me training and seen there is a possibility that I can do it.'

His last fundraising effort was a parachute jump which he considers was the easier option.

'When you throw yourself out of a plane it's over in 10 minutes but the marathon will take something like five hours,' he said.

'It's going to be tough but enjoyable as well I hope.'

Mr Allen's son Richard is handicapped and attends the centre's special care unit. He said he had a lot of admiration for the people who worked at the centre and what they did.

The runner began with a fundraising target of £500 but he has broken that already by £100 and a lot more donations have been promised.

With all his training in Abbeyford Woods and along the Camel Trail in Cornwall, Mr Allen is a running convert and plans to continue the activity to keep fit in the future.

Support during the marathon will be strong as many members of Mr Allen's will be waving and cheering him on along the route.

Anyone wishing to boost his fundraising total can phone the runner on 01837 53192 or send donations to his address at Longacre, Chichacott, Okehampton.

Manager of The Leaze Dave Dobson said the centre was delighted that Mr Allen had chosen to raise money for this facility.

'We wish him all the best and are very grateful for his choice of charity,' he said.

'Social Services provides a very good service but with donations like this we can provide extra equipment and learning activities for the clients.'