A FITNESS consultant who helps people with spinal injuries to improve their muscle control is getting ready to run his first marathon.

Michael Peacock decided to raise money for Spinal Research after working with jockeys who have been paralysed after horse-racing accidents.

“Working in a rehab environment, I’ve seen so many terrible injuries that have affected people, young and old, and not just jockeys," said Michael, 32.

“We also work with 18-year-old rugby players who are now wheelchair-bound and have had their lives changed completely.”

“To see people younger than you trying to get their lives back and regain independence sticks with you.”

Michael moved to Swindon five years ago to work as a strength and conditioning coach for the Injured Jockeys Fund, which has helped more than 1,000 jockeys who have had serious spinal injuries.

He lives in Stratton St Margaret with his girlfriend of two years Gaby Hayman.

He said: “We make friends with everybody here, it’s a close-knit community of people all striving to get their quality of life back.

"At the end of the day you feel drained, though a lot of the people there are very positive. It’s inspiring and tiring.”

Spinal Research is a small charity dedicated to researching clinical treatments in order to better understand spinal injury and counter the devastating effects they have on the life of quadriplegics and paraplegics.

The charity has funded experimental treatments that would transform the lives of those with spinal injuries if they become readily available.

It’s a cause that is close to Michael’s heart. He began training in January and has rapidly racked up the miles to prepare for the London Marathon, sometimes accompanied by his Belgian shepherd, Blue.

He said: “I’ve done a couple of half-marathons before but never something this long-distance.

“I’ve been building up to it, in January I did four 20-minute runs a week then last weekend I ran 17 miles. It’s been a tough plan – the first three weeks weren’t too bad but now it’s getting harder.

“My family are really proud and supportive of my dedication to training and love that the fundraising is for a small charity that has personal significance.

“I used to be 17 stone but I’ve lost a bit of weight, though I’m still 16 stone which is a lot to carry for 26 miles.”

Michael will run in the marathon on April 23 with Rob Treviss, a sports therapist from the IJF.

After this Michael’s hoping to take on an even bigger feat of fitness.

He said: “I’d like to do a triathlon. I enjoy cycling but I’m not great at swimming so it would be a good challenge.”

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/M-Peacock1