A friend's illness has inspired James Williams to take part in his first London Marathon.

James will be competing in the event on April 23 to raise money for the Anthony Nolan Trust, the charity that is helping Malvern Gazette reporter Lindsay Holder.

Lindsay is currently being treated for severe aplastic anaemia and may require a bone marrow transplant.

The Anthony Nolan trust recruits bone marrow donors, collects donations and matches them with patients.

James has known Lindsay since their schooldays at The Chase.

"We're part of a large peer group that has remained in touch since we left the sixth form in 1999," he said.

After starting training for the marathon in September, James was hindered by a knee problem. This forced him to run shorter distances, although he is now back on track with his training.

Born in Malvern, James now works in London and has been running regularly to the office in the morning.

He he has pledged to raise £1,500 for the charity and is currently about two-thirds of the way there.

"I just need a final fundraising push," he said.

While James has been busy training, his younger sister and brother, Lucy and Daniel, held a cake sale at The Chase to help raise funds.

To sponsor James visit www.justgiving.com/ jameswilliams. To find out more about becoming a bone marrow donor call 020 7284 1234 or log on to www.anthonynolan.org.uk.