AFTER seeing the London Marathon on television last year, and knowing friends who had taken part, Jon Rogers decided it was something he just had to do!

Jon says he is not a runner and usually enjoys more extreme sports such as rock climbing, motocross and surfing.

When Jon started training last May he could barely manage three miles - so completing the marathon on April 26 will be a massive achievement for him.

Jon is a director at J and J Roofing and Cladding Ltd and lives in Crediton with his two daughters Ellie-Rose (11), Amber (5) and his girlfriend Marie.

The British Lung Foundation is his chosen charity for the marathon because his father has been diagnosed with COPD and because of asbestos issues related to his work in the construction industry.

Jon recently held a collection for the charity at Morrisons in Crediton with the help of his eldest daughter Ellie-Rose and her friend Beth Bedford and he thanks the people of Crediton for their support and sponsorship.

Anyone wishing to support Jon and the British Lung Foundation can make a donation on Sunday, April 19 when he will again be collecting in the foyer at Morrisons.