OKEHAMPTON man Dave Walsh is running this year's London Marathon on April 22 to help raise money for the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust and the Devon Air Ambulance.

The 32-year-old civil engineer has previously taken part in gruelling orienteering events but has never run a 26-mile marathon against the clock.

Dave is putting his best foot forward to help the much needed funds to test potential bone marrow donors.

WIth no Government or Lottery funding whatsoever, the Anthony Nolan Trust relies on public donations to raise each £50 needed to fully tissue type one new donor to the national register.

A regular blood donor, the runner decided to support the charity after one of his friends died from leukaemia. He is currently going through the process of joining the trust's national register.

In between his busy work schedule Dave manages to fit in regular runs around Okehampton to build his stamina and strength and hopes he can finish close to his personal goal of four hours.

His wife, Tracy, and two-year-old son, Thomas, will travel to London to support him on the day and Tracy's employers, Telecare Electrics, have already boosted his fundraising efforts by sponsoring him to complete the run.

If you would like to sponsor Dave to help him reach his target of £1,000 telephone him on 01837 53068 or 07775 616224.