A HEREFORD man who served in the armed forces for nine years is taking on his first marathon this year for a cause close to his heart.

Garry Godsall, of Hampton Dene, is set to run the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon to raise funds for the Royal British Legion in support of service personnel, veterans and their families.

Mr Godsall, who has been training since December, was fortunate enough to obtain a ballot place on his fourth attempt. This is his first marathon and his target since having key hole surgery on his knee after suffering an injury whilst playing football five years ago.

Mr Godsall, who works at Leominster-based construction company J Harper and Sons, is hoping to raise £500 which will help the Legion provide vital support to the Armed Forces community including employment and housing advice, holiday breaks for those recovering from an illness or bereavement, and recovery support.

He said: “I am really excited about running the marathon because it has been on my bucket list since my operation.

Having served in the Armed forces for nine years the Legion is close to my heart and is a fantastic charity”

To donate to Garry's Virgin Money London Marathon page, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GazGodsall