A SOUTHMINSTER man is running the London Marathon for a children’s cancer charity after seeing first-hand the damage the disease can do.

Glen Bristol, 36, of New Moor Crescent, is hoping to raise more than £1,000 for Children with Cancer UK when he runs the race in April.

The father-of-two has seen the impact cancer can have, after his sister successfully fought off breast cancer.

Mr Bristol said: “I have a history of cancer in the family. My sister was given the all clear from breast cancer a year ago. She was very unwell and I have seen first-hand how it can affect people.

“I have got two young children and I started to put those two things together. I thought about my kids and my niece having to go through the hell that my sister went through.

“It seemed right to me that I try and raise as much money and awareness as possible to help a charity that supports families through that.”

It will be Mr Bristol’s first marathon, but not his first long distance race.

He competed in a 10km run last year in aid of the charity Bliss.

Bliss is one of the leading charities in the UK, supporting babies that were born premature or sick.

Mr Bristol added: “I have family who have lost babies prematurely in their pregnancy so that is why I ran in support of Bliss.

“I enjoyed the 10km so when the option came up to enter the London Marathon I thought it was a great idea.

“I’m hoping to raise about £1,200 for Children with Cancer UK and am aiming to complete the marathon in around four and a half hours.”

So far Mr Bristol has managed to collect £400 through online donations.

To donate to his cause, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/glen-bristol1.