RICHARD Elworthy, of Lifton Hall Hotel, will tackle the world famous 26 mile course for Team Osteoporosis on April 26.

49-year-old Elworthy has already raised over £2200 for the National Osteoporosis Society, the only UK-wide charity dedicated to improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and fragility fractures.

Richard has been preparing for the task since August 2014 by running around Lifton and hopes to complete the course in about 5 hours. His training has been hampered by a hip injury, but he is now back on track thanks to rest and physiotherapy.

Commenting on the enormous task ahead, Richard said: "I have been overwhelmed by the enormous support and generosity of many friends, family and Lifton Hall customers who have sponsored me and attended events — helping me to raise an amazing amount of money for the National Osteoporosis Society.

"This is my first marathon, which I'm doing in my 50th year, for a charity that is dear to my heart. My mother and two brothers have osteoporosis — it's not just a disease of older women!"

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.