A TRAINING consultant with a passion for running has organised a coffee morning to raise money for St John Ambulance in the run up to the London Marathon.

Nick Bohane, 34, is running the marathon again this year after he raised £722 for Cancer Research UK running last year’s marathon and he’s already beating that total this year.

Mr Bohane has raised £1,000 for St John Ambulance and hopes that that figure will continue to rise.

His wife Amber is a first aider for the charity so it’s a cause which is close to his heart.

He said: “It’s one of those charities that people tend to take for granted.

“Fundraising has been the focus this year. It’s a lot of effort, even more challenging than the training, but I’ve been really lucky.

“The hardest thing has been working full time, juggling family life, training and fundraising.

“I go for a run at 9 at night after the kids have gone to bed. Finding time to rack up the miles has been hard work.”

The mayor of Swindon Eric Shaw and North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson will be attending the coffee morning which will also have a raffle and a range of snacks and drinks.

Tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available, and Krispy Kreme and Pippin doughnuts and McDonald’s muffins and cookies have been donated by the companies for the event.

The morning will be held at the MP’s office at the Orbital shopping park’s customer service hub next Saturday from 10am til noon.

Mr Bohane added: “My wife and three children will be in the crowd with my parents, I’ll look for them and try to give them a little wave.

“A bit of moral support is always nice, hearing people cheering your name, it’s the crowd that gets you through it.”

St John Ambulance is the nation’s leading first aid charity, teaching important and simple life-saving skills to more than 400,000 people each year.

Their volunteers provide first aid in their communities, keep people safe at events, and work alongside the NHS in response to 999 calls.

Nick thanked everyone who’s supported him so far.

He said: “It’s nothing without them, every penny counts. Every donation is really appreciated.”

To donate visit virginmoneygiving.com/NickBohane