A BASINGSTOKE runner wants to put on a grand display after signing up as the Ark Cancer Centre Charity’s first Virgin London Marathon runner.

Father-of-two Richard Pilbeam has been training hard over the last few months, and he is now just over a fortnight away from taking part in the world-famous marathon.

He has set himself a target of raising £1,000 for the cancer charity.

Mr Pilbeam has a personal reason for running in support of the charity, having lost a grandmother and mother-in-law to cancer.

“I have seen, and experienced, the stress and anxiety that both a person receiving treatment for cancer and their family go through, and I want to do something to support Ark Cancer Centre Charity and the cancer treatment centre project,” said the 38-year-old.

The Chineham resident says he is feeling in good shape as race day approaches.

Mr Pilbeam will be collecting donations at Basingstoke Town FC’s home game at the Ark Cancer Charity Stadium on Saturday, April 15.

Visit thegoodexchange.com/ fundraising-profile/35/richardpilbeam/11011/to-build-a-stateof-the-art-cancer-treatment-centre.