Rick Marsden from Blackburn is taking on the London Marathon in April to raise funds for Child Action Northwest (CANW) after being inspired by his mums role working with us. The 37-year-olds love of running has seen him complete the Blackpool Marathon and an Ultra Marathon last year, the latter taking place over 44 gruelling miles. But seeing his mum Janice working in our Criminal Justice Service (CJS) has given Rick the nudge to take on the famous 26.2-mile course in the capital and fundraise for us to help keep our important work continuing in his local community. He said: Ive seen and heard of the works and good that CANW does from my mum. Ive learned all about the various vital services they provide, such as fostering vulnerable children and young people to providing Appropriate Adults in the CJS. I havent set a fundraising target but I know that all the money raised will help CANW carry on supporting local people when they need it most. This was the first time Rick entered the London Marathon ballot, which is notoriously competitive a record 414,168 people entered 2019s race with only around 17,500 lucky runners allocated places. He said: Im feeling very excited I wasnt expecting to get in! I know how difficult it is to get a place and as this was my first attempt, it feels even more special.

We even booked our accommodation and travel as soon as I received confirmation.

Ricks stepped up his training with help from his wife Sarah who originally encouraged him to join their local running club in 2016. Rick said: It was Sarah who originally joined The Darwen Dashers and after a few weeks she asked if I wanted to join alongside her. Im very competitive so it sounded good to me! I really got into it and Ive just got my licence to take my own groups out on the road. He completed the Blackburn Winter Warmer 10k in early February and his next Ultra Marathon of 32 miles is coming up in March affectionately known as The Howarth Hobble. My trainings going really well, said Rick. But I wont be looking at London as a challenge, Im just going to go and enjoy the occasion. The streets will be lined with thousands of people as its the main event on the runners calendar I cant wait!