When Clipstone man Wayne Swiffin took up running in January 2016, he had the goal of running just a mile or two without stopping to catch his breath.

But he now has his sights set much higher for he is running the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday.

He will be running on behalf of the Royal British Legion, which provides lifelong support for the Armed Forces community, serving men and women, veterans, and their families.

Wayne, who has since completed a number of 5km and 10km races and has taken part in a half marathon, entered the public ballot to run in the London Marathon 2017, but didn’t get through and so he submitted an application to the British Legion for a charity place.

He has carried out PR work on behalf of the British Legion in the past, helping to secure national and international press coverage when Britain’s last First World War veteran, Harry Patch, launched Somerset’s Poppy Appeal.

Wayne, who owns Mansfield-based Mandatum Public Relations, said: “It’s a daunting challenge and one that will test both physical and mental toughness, but you have to set yourself goals.”

A fundraising page has been set up at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/WayneSwiffin