A MELKSHAM man, whose dad had a brush with cancer, is preparing to run the London Marathon later this month in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.

Mike Dobbin, of Methuen Avenue, will be running the world famous race for the first time on April 24, in a bid to raise over £2,000 after his father suffered from the disease three years ago.

Mr Dobbin ran the Bath Half Marathon last month as part of his training and has previously raced two other marathons in Manchester and Bournemouth.

The 40-year-old, who runs The George Inn, Chippenham, said: “It is exciting to think about it now but I am sure that the nerves will kick-in, in the days leading up to the race.

“The atmosphere I imagine will be something completely different to what I have experienced before.

“My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer three years ago and has happily overcome it.

“This year I was able to get a charity place for Prostate Cancer UK. I have always wanted to do London since I started running and it is great that I got to do it with Prostate UK.”

The fundraiser has as of today reached £1,200 with a raffle being held on Saturday in the Pig and Whistle Pub in Woodrow Road starting at 8.30pm.

Mr Dobbin added: “My wife is going to be coming down to try and get around the course as best she can to help me along and cheer me on.

“It would be nice to say thank you to anyone who has donated and obviously you can still donate even now."

To sponsor Mr Dobbin go to www.justgiving.com/mike-dobbin or www.facebook.com/mikeslondonmarathon

Donations can also be sent by texting ‘MIKD’ followed by the amount (£1, £2, £5 or £10) to 70070.