DETECTIVE Michael O'Sullivan is on the run ... but his colleagues at Wiltshire Police will not be chasing him as it is all for a good cause.

DC O'Sullivan, who is based at police headquarters in Devizes, is hoping they will be backing him as he raises money for the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust by running the London Marathon.

The charity provides a home security service for elderly, vulnerable and disadvantaged people who have been victims of crime, or are considered to be at risk of crime, throughout the county.

DC O’Sullivan said: “As a serving detective constable within Wiltshire Police and as an officer who used to work on a department that primarily investigated dwelling house burglaries, I saw first-hand the work The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust conduct.

"The comfort and security a visit from The Bobby Van immediately gave to elderly or vulnerable victims was evident and as an investigator, it helped to know that your victim was able to start putting their lives back together after a traumatic experience.

“If you know anybody that has ever been a victim of one of these incidents, I am sure you will know the devastating affect it can have.”

He is hoping to take part in a number of different money raising initiatives in the lead up to the Marathon April 23 and is being sponsored by Securefast – a partner of the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust.

He said: “I’ve set myself a target of £1,000. So far, I have raised nearly £500 and would be extremely grateful of any help and support.

“This is the third time I have run the London Marathon and I am really looking forward to the challenge. Training is going really well. I started in January and am following one of the plans from the official marathon website. January was very cold for training, but I prefer running in the cold than wind and rain.

“I’m trying to get out and run five times a week and have a 12 mile run planned for this Sunday. I’m also doing the Bath and Reading half marathons as preparation for the big one in London.

"It’s going to be really tough, but I am sure the atmosphere on the day and the motivation of peoples support through sponsorship will help spur me on. My previous best time is 3 hours and 48 mins so I am aiming for 3 hours and 45 minutes this time. “

To sponsor DC O’Sullivan, visit https://localgiving.org/londonmarathonforbobbyvan or for more information on the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, visit http://www.wiltshirebobbyvan.org.uk