A boxing coach and fire fighter from South Oxhey will line up among thousands of runners at this weekend's London Marathon.

John Sheppard, who has previously run in two New York Marathons, will complete the 26.2 miles for Great Ormond Street Hospital and Watford Children's Ward.

In 2003 he raised more than £5,000 for Cancer Research, and split a similar amount between Children with Leukaemia and Great Ormond Street Hospital in 2006.

This year, the Luton-based fireman was inspired to run again after the tragic death of his daughter, and the ongoing medical care of his son, who were both born prematurely last June.

The South Oxhey Amateur Boxing coach said: “I want to give the money straight to the nurses on the wards because they know where it needs to go.

“I've seen nurses having to share a chair or not having enough bottle warmers and it's things like that I'd like to provide.”

To support John or donate to his fund telephone him on 07788 872945.