DJ leaving radio studio for Marathon race RADIO presenter and producer Mark Jones is running in his first London marathon on Sunday in aid of the Royal National Institute for the Blind with his lifelong friend Nick Penny, who is partially sighted and is also running his first ever marathon.

Mark Jones Mr Jones, 46, and Mr Penny, 43, grew up together in Marlborough.

Mr Penny, who lives in Wroughton, lost an eye when he was a child and Mr Jones said: “Nick struggles with his sight and although he is not blind, he could go that way one day.”

Both have been keen runners over the years although Mr Jones, who lives in Swindon, said he gave it up for a while.

He said although he and Mr Penny have different starting points in the London Marathon, they are hoping to meet up and run most of the route together.

Mr Jones said going by his training times, he is hoping to finish in less than four-and-a-half hours.

He hopes to raise at least £1,500 towards the work of the RNIB. He can be sponsored at www.just giving.com/mark-jones2012