A KEEN runner hopes to achieve his dream of running the London Marathon after failing to get into the ballot six times.

Courtenay Chessell from Park South is supporting the YMCA England and Wales children’s charity and hopes to raise enough money to get one of its places on the 26-mile run around the capital.

The 38-year-old needs to raise £2,000 to guarantee a place in the race, and hopes to run the route in less than three hours.

Courtenay said: “Running is a passion of mine, I have a knack and a real ability for it, it keeps me fit and active, and I love the excitement of being in a race and all the hard training paying off, you can't beat it.

"It's better than going to the gym and staying inside lifting weights because you get to enjoy the fresh air and see different parts of the town.

"Sometimes, when I'm at the starting line, I think 'Why have I done this?' but when I finish, all I want to do is start another one. It's also a great way to meet people who are like-minded and pushing my body past limits that I didn't know it could break through.

"The YMCA charity is close to my heart, they deal with young children in poverty and those who have been abused, so I thought I should do my part and help them give these kids a brighter future. I wanted to run the marathon no matter what, find a deserving charity to run for and raise as much money as possible for a good cause."

YMCA is the oldest and largest youth charity in the world. It provides thousands of young people with support and advice, rehomes homeless youngsters, offer health and wellbeing activities and education and training.

Courtenay discovered his passion and prowess for running at an early age and, after briefly enjoying success in another sport, is gearing up for his biggest challenge yet.

He added: "In school I always won races and cross country events, then I got into football after I left high school and played for Purton and Fairford, won a few medals and trophies, even got player of the year.

"I stopped all that 10 or 12 years ago and got back into running again, joined the Swindon Shin Splints and did cross-country events with the Swindon Harriers, they're tight-knit communities that feel like families.

"I've done the Swindon Half-Marathon, I've won the Swindon 10k and the park run. It's always been my dream to run the London Marathon, so I wanted to give myself time to get ready, I'm running up 40 miles a week.."

To support Courtenay, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/courtenay-chessell