AN OTLEY man is in training for the London Marathon to thank the hospice which gave support when his dad had cancer.

James Davies has taken on the challenge of running the marathon on October 3 to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice. James, 37, will be pounding the pavements in the coming months to prepare for the gruelling challenge which is his first attempt at a marathon.

He said: “I’ve always been in to keeping fit but running long distances is fairly new for me. I’ve managed to get out and start training over the last few weeks and I am slowly starting to build up the distance.

“I would love to be able to finish it in under four hours but honestly to just get round and finish in one piece would be great." Taking on the challenge for Wheatfields is something very close to James heart.

“I really wanted to do this marathon to raise funds and awareness for the incredible work that Sue Ryder Wheatfields do," he said. "My dad Stephen passed away with cancer in 2017 and this is a perfect way to remember him.

“He chose to spend his final days at home with his family but we received a lot of support from the hospice and I want to give something back.

“Sue Ryder is incredibly close to our hearts and if I can try to raise some money to help families like ours by running round London for a few hours then I am well up for it.”

Vist https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jamesdaviesforwheatfields to follow his progress or to donate.

The charity has limited places available for the London Marathon and the Virtual London Marathon event. Anyone who wants to take on the challenge to support Wheatfields Hospice can find more details at https://www.sueryder.org/support-us/fundraise/events/virtual-london-marathon-2021 https://www.sueryder.org/support-us/fundraise/events/london-marathon-2021.

On his justgiving page James says: "Sue Ryder supports people through the most difficult times of their lives. Whether that's living with a life limiting condition or dealing with the loss of a loved one – they’re there when it matters. Their doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and carers give people the compassion and expert care they need to help them live the best life they possibly can."

He adds: "Care at the hospice is free, but it costs £3.8m per year to provide it, which equates to £10,500 per day.

"All your donations, will go a long way to help someone and their families in their hour of needs so please dig deep. My main goal is to complete the London Marathon in October but I will (COVID permitting) be organising some more fund raising events between now and October."