A director of Lings Motor Group is preparing to run his first – and last - London marathon for charity (on his wedding anniversary).

Paul Barkshire (pictured) will compete in the Virgin London Marathon on April 23 to raise money for Children With Cancer UK.

He said: “It is one of the biggest challenges of my life. It will be my first – and last – marathon as I don’t even like running. It is also on the day of my 34th wedding anniversary, which I hadn’t realised.”

Barkshire has been in the motor trade for more than 40 years.

“The motivation is being a parent and grandfather and knowing close friends who have children that have suffered from such an awful disease

and playing my small part towards a cure so future generations do not have to go through the effects of cancer.”

Donations can be made on Barkshire's JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/Paul-Barkshire.