Disabled youngsters will receive a boost from a Keighley fitness instructor who is gearing himself up for his first ever London Marathon.
Matthew McArdle, 42, will tackle the world-famous route in April next year to raise vital cash for the charity Get Kids Going.
The NuPhysioFit boss said: “This group provides sports wheelchairs for disabled children to help them become more active.
“These can cost £4,000 to £5,000, which is a lot of money for most parents to find.
“The charity approached me and asked if I wanted to do the London Marathon for them, and I said ‘yes’ straight away.”
The father-of-three from Riddlesden said he aims to finish the route in about three-and-a-half hours. He has never run a full marathon before.
“In some ways it’s quite daunting because of what I do for a job,” he said. “I expect to be able to perform at a certain level, but to achieve that will take some doing.
“I have a couple of long-standing injuries, including having quite major ankle surgery four times, so that is a worry. I’m hoping that holds up during my training and on the day.
“At the moment, I’m doing speed work and short runs of up to five or six miles. After Christmas, I’ll up my game and increase the mileage.”
People can sponsor Mr McArdle via his page on the Virgin Money Giving website.
He is also currently helping Keighley News editor, Richard Parker, as part of his own preparations to run the 2014 London Marathon in aid of Manorlands hospice.
Mr McArdle said: “It’s fantastic Richard is doing this for Manorlands – it’s a great reason to take part in the marathon.
“I’m working with him on his training programme, and he’s starting to increase his mileage – he’s getting a few aches and pains!”
Richard said: “Matthew’s support will be invaluable in my preparations, particularly as I’ve never tackled anything like this before.
“I’ve already had one calf injury, and without expert physio, I’d still be hobbling around now!”
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