A man from Worcester is running his first London marathon at the age of 56 to raise money for Blind Veterans UK.

Andrew Radford will be taking on the 26.2-mile London Marathon on April 23. 

He said: “I started marathon running two years ago and this will be by seventh but my first London Marathon.

“The London Marathon is one of the most well-known running challenges in the world, it will be a fantastic personal achievement.

“Up until now running has been quite a self-indulgent hobby for me, something I enjoy for myself but there’s a new level of excitement to be running in recognition of Blind Veterans UK.

“I’ve been immensely proud to announce to friends and family that I’m running for the charity. There is a real responsibility that comes with wearing the Blind Veterans UK running vest, representing those the charity supports.”

Andrew retired two years ago from his job as a medical sales trainer and now works with a charity that advocates for those who are struggling with their mental health. He also supports the running club at New College Worcester, a residential school and college for young people who are blind or vision impaired.

He said: “Helping those who are vision-impaired is important to me.

"I act as a guide runner for vision-impaired students at the school who are aged 15 to 18. It’s made me aware how liberating running can be and I now want to train to run as a guide for vision-impaired people running marathons.

“At the moment I only run around the track with the students but there are a couple who have expressed an interest in running a 10-kilometre road race and I would like to be able to support them with this.

“I knew I wanted to run on behalf of a charity for vision-impaired people and that is how I came to find out about Blind Veterans UK.

“Blind Veterans UK is a fantastic charity which provides support to those who dedicated their lives to their country, helping them to live independent lives and to continue to enjoy the hobbies and interests they had before sight loss, or to discover new hobbies.

 “I ran my last marathon in November and gave myself a break during December; before beginning to train ready for the London Marathon. I would like to complete it in under four hours and want to raise as much money as possible for Blind Veterans UK.”

If you would like to support Andrew in reaching his £2,000 target for Blind Veterans UK, please visit his fundraising page here: 2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/andy-radford