IT’S a case of fourth time lucky for Rick Johns who has managed to get a place to run for St Richard’s Hospice in April’s London Marathon.

Rick, who lives in Ombersley, near Droitwich, says that although he has run at the event for three consecutive years, this is the first time he has been able to book a space to raise funds for the hospice.

“This year I was lucky and I am delighted to be able to represent the hospice that looked after my mother in 2000,” said Rick, who is running with his daughter Anna, who is in her final year at Exeter University.

“My mother received such excellent care that we support the hospice where we can but to be able to run the marathon for it is the cherry on the cake,” added the 54-year-old who, with his wife Sue, runs the Kingsway English Centre in Worcester’s Foregate Street.

“Anna had already got a place and I was determined to join her. I think there was one extra place so I got lucky this year,” he said.

He regularly runs twice a week as part of his training and is a keen charity runner. He has completed several half marathons as well as the last three London marathons.

“Unfortunately Anna and I are unable to train together but I am sure we will prove to be a great team,” added Rick.

He is holding a quiz on Saturday, March 2 at Ombersley Memorial Hall to help boost his fundraising for St Richard’s.

Teams of six to eight are welcome at £10 per person, which includes a fish and chip supper and a raffle ticket. The bar will open at 6.45pm and the quiz will start at 7.30pm prompt.

For tickets contact Sue Johns on 0 1905 619877 or email sue@kingsway-english.com

To support Rick’s fundraising efforts, visit justgiving.com/anna-and-rick-london-marathon

St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and supports their families. For more information visit strichards.org.uk