A charity chief executive will run his first marathon aged 50.

James Clarke, chief executive officer at Action for Family Carers, will be lacing up his running shoes in April.

Mr Clarke, pictured, of Dorset Road, Maldon will be raising money for the charity and also for Isabel Hospice in Hertfordshire who cared for his mother-in-law Pat Williams.

Until April, Essex County Council funded charity Action for Family Carers’ to deliver an all-age carer support service, including a dedicated service for users aged between 16 and 24.

The service provides respite and social opportunities for young adult carers, but funding will cease when Essex County Council transfers the service to move everything inhouse – with only two age groups catered for – under and over 18.

Mr Clarke, who lives with his wife and children aged five and two, said: “I am going to take part for the first time at the age of 50 and to support the charity I work for – Action for Family Carers, based in Maldon, and also to support Isabel Hospice in Hertfordshire in memory of my mother in law Pat Williams.

“From April Action for Family Carers work with young carers is 100 per cent reliant on donations and fundraising.

“As part of our work we run a young carers club night in Maldon to give these wonderful children a break and a chance to socialise with others in the same situation.”

To donate, visit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/jamesclarke2

  • This is part one in our series of marathon stories. Check back on our website for the stories behind people from across Maldon taking on the 26 mile race