COLDRIDGE runner, Ian Webber has begun his training for the 26.2 mile-long London Marathon, which will be his 16th, and will take place on Sunday, April 23.

This year, Ian has chosen to raise money for the third year running, for Hospice UK (formally known as Help the Hospices).

Ian said the charity and caring for people with cancer was a subject "close to his heart".

He explained that hospice care changes lives and said that a quarter of a million patients are cared for by hospices in the UK each year, either in a hospice or in their own home.

Ian said hospices need to raise more than £1 million per day to keep going, adding that Hospice UK is “the charity” for hospice care.

It supports the work of Children’s Hospice South West, Hospiscare (in Exeter), North Devon Hospice, Rowcroft (The Torbay and South Devon Hospice) and St Luke’s Hospice (Plymouth), which are all member hospices.

Ian explained: “I continue to feel very blessed that I have been given the health and strength to be able to run. Equally, I am so very thankful that I can use that ability to do my part to help charitable organisations help others. 

“Over the previous 15 marathons, an incredible fundraising amount of money - £55,324 to be exact (plus Gift Aid donations) has now been raised.”

Ian said he is very grateful for the public support he has received for his chosen charities and is “humbled” at the amount of money that has been raised.

He said he hopes, people will again see fit to support him in whatever way, either through sponsorship or supporting a forthcoming fundraising event.

To sponsor Ian this year, you can either visit his fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/ianwebberlm2017  or donate by mobile text message. Send a text to 70070: IWEB61 with £ and the amount (e.g. to donate £10, text IWEB61 £10 to 70070). You will then receive a text message receipt back, so that you can Gift Aid the donation (by text message or filling in a web form) At this stage, please also add your name and message so that it appears on Ian’s Justgiving page.

Alternatively you can send your donation to: Ian Webber, Bramble Cottage, 2 Thorn Corner, Nr Wembworthy, Chulmleigh EX18 7SN. (01837 82540). Cheques can be made payable to Hospice UK.

COFFEE MORNING

Another way you can support Ian is by attending a coffee morning he, his wife, Jayne, his family and friends are organising, which will be held at North Tawton Town Hall from 10am to 11.45am on Saturday, March 11.

There will be a grand draw, silent auction, cakes/produce, greetings cards, chutney, plants and more.

Ian said that donations will also be appreciated for the cake and produce stall, draw and silent auction.

Alan Quick