A WINCHESTER man is set to run his first marathon in 18 years to raise money for disabled children.

Nick Marsh, 45, of Chilbolton Avenue, was 27 when he ran his last marathon but is strapping on his trainers again for the Clarendon Marathon on Sunday (Oct 5).

The advertising director will run 26 miles from Salisbury to Winchester for Caudwell Children, a support charity for families with disabled children.

He said the issue is close to his heart because his five-year-old son, Thomas, is autistic.

“We’ve been fortunate to be able to afford to support our son,” he said, “but a lot of people can’t. A lot of families are in absolute crisis over it and this charity supports them.

“I always planned to do another marathon. I want to see if I can still do it. I thought if I don’t do it now I’m never going to do it. I’ve been training hard and completed a couple of half marathons during the year, so I’m feeling ready.”

Nick has already smashed his original target of £350 and hopes to raise as much as £1,000 before the run on October 5.

The marathon starts at 10.30am in Wyvern College, Laverstock and finishes at King’s School, Winchester.

To donate or read more about Nick’s fundraising visit justgiving.com/nickcpmarsh.