AN ENGINEER who felt out of breath running to the end of his road has been inspired to run his first London Marathon.

Jeremy Wright, from Andover, will put his best foot forward on Sunday to raise awareness and funds for Contact, which provides advice, information and support for families with disabled children.

Thanks to the support of friends, family and colleagues he has smashed his £700 target and raised more than £2,300.

Jeremy, an electricity asset manager for UK Power Networks, started working with the charity Contact as part of the company’s future leaders training programme.

He said: “Meanwhile, I’m really enjoying the marathon training. I joined my local running club, Muddy Runners, I run with friends and have followed a 16 week plan, running at least four times a week and cross-training.

“I’ve had to buy a new suit, as I’ve got fitter, but I’m not getting rid of the old ones just yet as I’m sure I’ll be need them again in the future. I hope it is cold and wet on the day of the marathon because that’s what I’ve been training in since January.

“I do feel a bit apprehensive, as I’ve never done this before, but the atmosphere will be massive and I know I’ll be swept along by the crowd’s support.

“I never did any running before this and felt out of breath running to the end of the road.”