A former Spalding Grammar School pupil now serving in the RAF is to run the London Marathon to raise money for a cancer support charity.
Matthew Message (20), whose parents Kevin annd Debbie Message live in Fosdyke, says his inspiration to join thousands on the gruelling 26.2-mile route has been two of his aunts.
One of his aunts was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram but is now in remission and the second – just 40 and married with two young children – was diagnosed with a debilitating, incurable disease three years ago.
He said: “I chose to run for Macmillan Cancer Support because I know first-hand the devastation caused to a family when someone is diagnosed with any long-term illness.
“I now understand just how valuable Macmillan’s work is in helping those families cope.”
To kick-start fundraising, Baytree Nurseries Garden Centre in Weston allowed him to sell carrots for Santa’s reindeer at Christmas. Tracey Vowels, of the Fitness Company, Spalding, is also helping to collect sponsors as well as allowing him to use her facilities. In addition, Paul Parkin, of Back on Track Therapy, has also been helping to keep him fit.
You can support him by visiting his Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/messagedoesvlm2013 or follow him on Facebook.