Alphabet marathon (From Gazette Series)

Alphabet marathon

A SEASONED runner has set himself a personal goal of running a marathon for each letter of his surname.

With Amsterdam 2003 safely under his belt, John Francksen, from Charfield, is participating in the Edinburgh Marathon this weekend.

He is hoping to raise £500 for the Round Table Children's Wish fund, for which he is the South West regional co-ordinator. The charity makes wishes come true for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Supported by Wotton-under-Edge Round Table, of which he is a member, he is keen to attract more sponsors.

Mr Francksen said: "My family and friends have been very loyal, but it's difficult to keep asking the same people."

Last year Mr Francksen took part in the Great North Run in Tyneside and raised £2,000 for the Bristol Eye Hospital. So he is almost permanently in training for various running events.

He said: "I spend a lot of time travelling for my work, for a food ingredients distribution company, and I always take my running kit with me."

He is also a member of Thornbury Running Club.

In November, Mr Francksen will be taking part in the New York Marathon which attracts a huge number of applicants. He counts himself fortunate in being accepted first time.

To support John Francksen's latest venture visit www.justgiving.com/jfrancksen or by phone him on 07799 660325.