A FIREFIGHTER from Delabole will be taking on the London Marathon in aid of Whizz-Kidz this April, and is appealing for donations from the public to hit his £2,000 target.

After years of applying for a place in one of the biggest events in the British calendar, Ben Jarram from Delabole Community Fire Station was finally offered a place to run in the London Marathon on Sunday, April 26 to raise money for an important charity, Whizz-Kidz.

Ben said: “After applying to the London Marathon ballot for the past seven or eight years on the trot with no luck, I decided this year I would try and run it for charity. I was passed onto Whizz-Kidz by numerous people who have ran for them in the past and told me what a great charity it was.

“So after I researched into what the charity was about and how much they help disabled children, I knew it had to be this charity I ran for. I have to raise £2,000 and have a Just Giving page if anyone wants to donate.”

Whizz-Kidz works to support disabled children in the UK, helping them with their confidence and independence. They aim to provide vital equipment, support and life skills to disabled children.

Ben has recently achieved £800 of his £2,000 target, so is appealing for donations on his fundraising page and also has a sponsorship form if anyone would like to make a donation that way instead.

Ben added: “I’ve started my 16-week training plan now and my long runs are up to about 14 miles. Having recently ran the Cornish Marathon in three hours, 50 minutes, my aim would be to try and be better this time.”

As part of his fundraising efforts, Ben will be holding a quiz night at the Old Inn, St Breward, at 7.30pm on Friday, February 21.

To donate to Ben’s fundraising page, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BenjaminJarram.