David focuses on running up funds at Leicester's half marathon
Thousands of runners will take over the streets of Leicester this weekend for the city's annual marathon.
More than 3,000 people have already signed up for the full or half marathons on Sunday – and for the first time there is also a 5km fun run as part of the day.
The event raises money for Leicester hospice Loros and the Matt Hampson Foundation – and many of the runners will be supporting their own chosen charities.
Among them will be photographer and novice runner David Helsby, of Stoneygate, who is taking part in his first half marathon.
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The 53-year-old is hoping to raise about £250 for the Leicestershire charity Hope Against Cancer.
David, who hopes to finish in less than three hours, said: "When I started running, my friends thought it hilarious.
"I have never done anything like this before and I had even cancelled my gym membership because I never got there.
"I wanted to help Loros as staff were very supportive to a friend some years ago and a couple of my friends work for Hope Against Cancer and I have been to a number of their events.
"It is good to be able to support causes that are local.
"If we help them, perhaps they will be there to help us if we need it.
"I really got into the Olympics and followed it on the TV and managed to see the men's marathon on the London streets."
Sunny Sandhu, 29, and her husband Harry, 32, are running the Leicester Half Marathon for the National Brain Appeal.
Sunny, from Thurnby, said: "We are hoping to raise at least £1,000 for research into Pick's Disease – similar to Alzheimer's, in loving memory of our uncle, Parminder Sandhu.
We are hoping to complete the half in 2 hours 10-20 minutes."
To sponsor the couple, you can go to the address below.
The 26.2-mile race, which starts at Victoria Park, in London Road, takes people through the city to Barkby, Syston, Queniborough, Rearsby, Ratcliffe and East Goscote, before returning to the start line.
The 13.1-mile half marathon begins in Leicester and goes through Rushey Mead, Thurmaston, Birstall, Stocking Farm, Abbey Park and back.
The 5km sponsored fun run follows a route from Abbey Park to Victoria Park.
Laura Betts, fund-raising co-ordinator at Loros, said: "More than 3,000 have registered for the races so far, but we are expecting to see more in the next week and people can also register on the day."
For more information, visit:
www.leicestermarathon.org.uk
www.justgiving.com/ Harry-and-Sunny-Sandhu
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