ONE of a number of runners raising funds for St Luke's Hospice tomorrow (Sunday, 2 October) will be Steve Brown from Maldon.

Steve explained why he is running, saying: "My dear mother Lesley lost her battle with cancer a year ago at 57 and even though she didn't reach care at one of St Luke's Hospice establishments, they were there every step of the way for us all, right from the beginning, and were the angels holding us all up.

"They never let us down, they called when they said they would and were just there when we needed them.

"This outstanding charity will forever have my heart and it's by far an honour and privilege to run for them and support them and the amazing work they do.

"I was called up from the reserve list so have had just over three months to train but I have thrown everything at this over that period. The training has been excruciating and motivation towards the end of it gets tough when your legs don't want to move but you're telling them 'Let's run 10-15 miles guys!'

"I've never run a marathon before but I thought I would throw myself in the deep end. I know I won't quit. The main benefit I have experienced would be my fitness. I've also seen a lot more of Essex and Maldon than I normally would have.

"With the marathon coming up, I have been very excited but now it's around the corner I'm starting to feel a little anxious - but still looking forward to it as it's what I've trained tirelessly for in the last three months.

"My wife Hayley will be cheering for me on the day along the route. My two daughters will be at home watching on the TV as they are young and a busy London would be too much for their little legs. If I see a camera I'll sure be waving at it in the hope they see me as that'll make their day."

You can donate to St Luke's in Steve's name via his fiundraising page on this link.