KEVIN Dettmar is limbering up to run the London Marathon on April 28 after 18 years of trying to win a coveted place in the race.

The football coach and keen runner from Haydon Wick is looking forward to finally taking part.

“When I first got the call that I had been successful I was so excited I nearly dropped my phone,” he said.

“I’ve been trying to run in the London Marathon for 18 years. It’s hard to get into if you want to be sponsored.

“It’s got especially harder after the marathon was taken over from Flora by Virgin, it’s become very competitive and standards have got much higher.

He said: “I’ve been down to London to watch the race before and that was-okay. It was great to witness such a terrific event.

“But it will be so nice this time to be a part of it and get involved.

“I’ve been training for about 12 weeks now and I’ll be doing a few practice runs at Brighton and Coventry half marathons to get myself prepared for the big day.”

He has good reason for wanting to raise money for charity beause his uncle suffered from cancer.

“It will be great to do this for such a good cause like Children with Cancer UK and also represent Swindon and my local community.

“Cancer has also had a big impact on my life with close family being diagnosed, so it is something very personal to me,” he explained.

“For the marathon I need to raise £2,500 for my sponsorship and I’ll be doing my next fundraising event at the Abbey Meads Pub for a race night which includes a raffle and auction.”

The race night will take place on March 1 and the raffle prizes include a signed Swindon Town shirt, an Andrew Balding racing stable yard tour plus lots of other prizes.

He said: “The response from the community has really been fantastic, people have been so quick to lend their support.

“Whether it be handing out poster or selling raffle tickets it is all really appreciated.”

Even his employers have lent him their support. “I work at Honda and they have been very supportive too, pledging to donate £250.

“I love doing these events as it’s a way to give back to the community. Over the years I’ve run marathons and half marathons for various charities such Prostate Cancer UK, Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Prospect Hospice.”

Kevin has already raised over £6000 for charity over the years with his last event at Khyber Restaurant for British Heart Foundation.

If anyone would like to donate to the raffle or auction he can be contacted on 0740133148.

To sponsor or donate money to his appeal go to virginmoneygiving.com/KevinDettmar