THE New Year resolution for one Cornwall Councillor will be to put on his running shoes and begin his preparations for the London Marathon 2016 in aid of charity.

Liberal Democrat Adam Paynter, councillor for Launceston North and North Petherwin, will be running to help raise more funds for the Robert Johns Leukaemia Fund (RJLF).

Cllr Paynter took on the marathon four years ago in aid of the charity and was able, through sponsorship, to raise an impressive total of £2,432.

He is now hoping to improve on his previous attempt and beat his time of 4 hours 43 minutes.

He is determined to raise more money to help fund research into curing leukaemia and support Bob Johns, main trustee and father to the late Robert Johns, in his future fundraising achievements.

In order to participate in the event a race fee has to be paid. Two companies from Holsworthy have sponsored this fee to ensure all money raised through donations can go direct to the charity. Alan Snow Agricultural Engineers and Bob’s son Kev Johns Agricultural and Plant Contractors Limited have both made contributions towards the entry price.

Cllr Paynter said: “To enter the London Marathon each participating charity runner must pay a fee of £375 to the event organisers.

“This seems a little steep for a charity place but nonetheless must be paid and thanks should be given to the two businesses who are helping to support me in this run.

“Their contributions mean that all the money we are able to raise in sponsorship will go straight to the Robert Johns Leukaemia Fund and will not be put towards fees.”

This is the second year Cllr Paynter will represent the Robert Johns Leukaemia Fund at the London Marathon.

He told the Post that the chance to represent the charity was offered to others but after the two candidates were unable to take up the place due to prior commitments, he accepted the opportunity.

He said: “I had struggled to get a place in the London Marathon through the ballot system previously.

“So in 2008 a letter was written to the marathon’s organising committee by Bob Johns to see if it was possible for him to attain what is known as a ‘Silver Bond place’. It is a spot in the marathon reserved for charities so they have a guaranteed opportunity for sponsorship fundraising once every five years.

“After Bob had discussed with them at length what his charity was about, and why a spot in the marathon would be a good way to raise money for the fund, they accepted but said the next available spot wouldn’t be until 2011.”

So two years after Bob had secured the charity a running spot in the marathon, Cllr Paynter took on the challenge and finished it in a respectable 4 hours 43 minutes.

In 2011 he raised, through sponsorship, £2,432, and now hopes he can exceed this total in 2016.

His hope is to also improve on his performance last time and is aiming for a time of around three hours.

He said: “I’d be keen to do a better time and raise more money on behalf of Bob Johns and his charity. It is such a worthwhile cause.

“I have already begun training for the 2016 event. I am a member of the Launceston Road Runners and have been trying to go out with them every Tuesday evening.

“I’ll also be taking part in the Silverstone half-marathon in March in preparation for the full marathon in April and possibly a few other events in the meantime.”

Anyone wishing to sponsor Cllr Paynter will be able to do so via the Robert Johns Leukaemia Fund website at www.rjlf.org.uk