A SUBMARINER from Worcester is limbering up to take part in a half marathon to raise money for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).

Petty Officer (PO) Matthew Bradley, of Lower Wick, has signed up for the Plymouth half marathon on Sunday, April 27.

The 40-year-old, is hoping people will dig deep for the charity, which supports today’s serving personnel, veterans and their families.

“I’m a very keen runner," said the father-of-two. "I’ve run four previous Plymouth half marathons, the Great West run and the Plymouth 10k.

"I’ve run for various charities over the years but chose the Royal Navy and Royal Marines charity this time because I passionately believe that the organisation provides essential support and guidance, in many guises, for today’s serving members, veterans and their families.

"My training regime has generally consisted of running my normal 20 to 25 miles during the week and a 10 to 13 miler at the weekend, although I don’t particularly enjoy the hilliness of Devon and Cornwall.”

PO Bradley joined the Royal Navy in 1990 and is currently passing on his knowledge of sonar to the next generation at the Royal Navy Submarine School based inHMS Raleigh in Cornwall.

During his career so far he has served on five submarines, including three separate drafts to HMS Talent and back-to-back deployments on HMS Trenchant.

While in the Royal Navy he has completed a certificate in education at Plymouth University to qualify as a teacher and is currently in his final year of a BA (Hons) Education Studies Degree.

The former pupil of Christopher Whitehead High School said: “I’ve never really seen my time in the Royal Navy as a job and I think that’s the key to success.

"If you enjoy what you do, believe in it, and are passionate in what you do, then it becomes part of you and your identity, rather than being something you happen to do for a living.”

To sponsor PO Bradley, visit virginmoneygiving.com/mattbradley73.