ELEVEN times grandfather Frank Roberts of Royal Wootton Bassett is celebrating after he had his time for this May’s Milton Keynes marathon accepted as a qualifying time for championship entry into next year’s London Marathon.

Frank will be raising money for the Prospect Hospice when he competes in the London event.

He took up running at the age of 69 to increase his fitness, which enabled him to celebrate his 70th birthday by climbing Ben Nevis with his two sons.

He has been running ever since; participating in many 10K and half marathons, including being the first M70 in the Swindon Half Marathon and twice in the Swindon 10K, as well as holding the Swindon 10K M70 record. Frank runs for the South West Veterans Athletic Club.

Frank and his wife Pamela, who will be helping with the fundraising, have had a number of close relatives and friends in need of the type of care that the Prospect Hospice provides, and for some years it has been his desire to run the London marathon and raise funds as a thank you to all the carers.

To sponsor him, visit www.virgin moneygiving.com/FrankRoberts.