A Marlow man is set to run his first London Marathon for local charity Absolutely Together after overcoming an injury that left him unable to run for five weeks earlier this year.

In June Adrian Metcalfe, 55, pulled a hamstring just 20 yards from the finish line of The Fan Dance, a 24km race in the Brecon Beacons.

The charity is part of the Absolutely Leisure Group and helps families with children and young adults who have additional needs.

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By providing free leisure activities for participating families in the community the charity works to improve families’ mental health and well-being by helping them get active.

Absolutely Fitness Slough has helped Adrian overcome his injury and the mental challenge of staying motivated to continue training for a year and a half, rather than the six months normally required for a marathon due to the COVID -19 pandemic delaying the race.

Adrian said: “I’ve taken part in other types of endurance running but this is my first marathon, and I’m delighted to be supporting Absolutely Together to help raise money and awareness for a local charity.

“I know it’s going to be a challenge, but I think the cheering and support all runners receive from the crowd will help to spur me on.

“Thank you to Absolutely Fitness for their help; the team are so friendly and knowledgeable, and in advance I’d also like to thank everyone who donates.”

Sandra Grochowska, Club Manager at Absolutely Fitness in Slough, added: “I would like to thank Adrian for choosing to fundraise for Absolutely Together.

“It is such an important charity whose help has made a significant difference to so many families in our community.

“Everyone at Absolutely Fitness is pleased to be helping Adrian with his training and we wish him the best of luck for the race.”

To donate to Adrian’s marathon fundraiser visit here.