LIFE is certainly in the fast lane for one school teacher who is set to run the London Marathon this year.

Head of religious studies at Shebbear College Dr Richard Hoskins, who has written a book likely to be turned into a major Hollywood screenplay, is almost halfway to raising £2,000 for the Joint Educational Trust (JET), which helps children who have suffered seriously at home or at school.

Dr Hoskins said he wanted to give something back to children: 'I spent six years working in child protection and decided to make a difference by becoming a teacher.

'My aim and ethos is to try to give something good back to children and when I heard JET wanted someone to run the 2009 Flora London Marathon for them, I leapt at the chance.'

Dr Hoskins said the winter months didn't stop him training: 'I have run into school from my home many mornings, leaving at 6am.

'Stepping outside in the pitch dark in this weather with a little torch has been hard, but I've kept it going all the way.

'I've got my goal firmly in my sights and apart from a slight knee niggle a few weeks back, nothing has stopped me.'

Dr Hoskins said the cause was important to him: 'I really knew the moment I saw the notice from JET asking if any teacher would do it, that it was almost like a calling.

'It is still one of the scariest things I've let myself in for, but if I can give something back to them, just doing my own little bit to help, it's totally worth it.'

JET receives referrals from education, medical and social work professionals. Many families find out about the trust from the Educational Grants Advice Line service.

Anyone who wishes to sponsor Dr Hoskins for the London Marathon can visit http://www.justgiving.com/richardhoskins1">www.justgiving.com/richardhoskins1