A RUNNER from Okehampton is training on Dartmoor as he prepares to run the London Marathon for a cause dear to his heart.

Charlie Galley, 41, will lace up his trainers on April 22 to run 26 miles for the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF), a charity set up in memory of wildlife artist David Shepherd, who painted in Kenya.

It will be the first time Charlie has taken part in the London Marathon — and he has chosen the charity he will run for as a tribute to his dad, who died last year.

Charlie, who works as a telecoms engineer, said: ‘Like David Shepherd, my dad was a wildlife artist and they met a few times in Nairobi, Kenya where my family lives. Also, like David, my father was involved in animal welfare and conservation until he was sadly taken from us last March. I run in his memory and it seemed only fitting that I should run for a charity that he would have wholeheartedly approved of.

‘I’m a fairly keen runner and I have run a few marathons before, always enjoying a disciplined and injury free build up – however this time I have not been so lucky. I ran the Cornish Marathon in November 2017 and walked away with a case of plantar fasciitis (a problem that affects the bottom of the foot). As a result the initial training has had to be a little more lethargic than I would have liked but it is easing and I have started to be able to put some miles in – I will persevere.

‘Training on Dartmoor is always a challenge largely made easier by the stunning views and the company of my ever-faithful hound, Benji.’

Charlie also trains regularly with his partner Heidi, and their other dog Bramble. She is running the London Marathon as well, having secured a highly sought after ballot place.

The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation funds conservation projects across Africa and Asia which fight wildlife crime, engage local communities in finding long-term sustainable solutions to protect their native wildlife and campaigns for stronger laws to protect wildlife.

You can sponsor Charlie at uk.virgin moneygiving.com/CharlieGalley

• Pictured right is Charlie and his partner Heidi Wills out running with their dogs Bramble and Benji.