AN EASTBURN resident has raised more than £1,000 for local causes by running the London Marathon.

Roland Wright, who decided to run his first-ever marathon at the age of 42, completed the race in three hours 53 minutes.

He said: “It was my first marathon and I did not know what to expect. I reached my funding target of £1, 000 and my time target of under four hours.

“It was tough, and lack of training due to a sprained ankle made it harder, so I have applied to run the marathon again.

“Running the London Marathon had always been high on my wish list, having helped on the water stations when I was a child. After over 10 years of applying I finally had a place.”

Roland ran the marathon on April 28 to support Keighley Food Poverty Action Partnership – in conjunction with the Good Shepherd Centre – and Home-Start Craven.

Roland said he wanted to raise money for vital, local, underfunded charities that helped families and individuals in dire need.

He added: “Keighley Food Poverty Action Partnership aims to not only ensure hot food and food bank supplies are available seven days a week to vulnerable Keighley people, but also helps people become more self-sufficient.

“The partnership is closely related to the Good Shepherd Centre, which aims to empower and educate economically and socially disadvantaged Keighley people so they can participate fully in society.

“Home-Start Craven helps families struggling with post-natal depression, isolation, physical health problems, bereavement and many other issues.”

“Home-Start Calderdale closed its doors for the final time in March 2019 due to a funding shortfall. We don’t want to let another one shut.

“Last December I badly sprained my ankle shortly after starting training, so I’ve been training while recovering from my injury.”

People can still sponsor Roland by visiting justgiving.com/crowdfunding/roland-wright.