Newark man to run London Marathon in support of the British Heart Foundation

A man is hitting the road as he prepares to run the London Marathon for a charity close to his heart.

Andy Watkins is aiming to raise £2,500 for the British Heart Foundation to support the work they do in researching heart disease.

With just a few weeks to go until the big day on April 21, Andy has had to put a lot of hard work in, but says it will all be worthwhile.

He said: “It’s personal for me, it’s something that has affected our family in so many ways.

“I lost my dad to a massive heart attack when I was 23-years-old and he was in his 60s and my mum is currently living with the debilitating effects of heart disease which are getting worse every day.

“I think the British Heart Foundation are an absolutely incredible charity — I worked as a fundraiser for them for about five years on and off and the what they’ve done over the years is mind blowing.

“It’s a big target (£2,500), especially in a cost of living crisis, but the generosity has been incredible and now I’m half way there.”

If you would like to support Andy and his fundraising effort, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/andy-watkins7

An actor by trade, he moved to Newark a few years ago with his family after loving the town’s community feel and how friendly the people were.

With the determination to do well in London, Andy has been putting in the hard miles as he gears up to the race.

“I ran one marathon before in Brighton in 2017, but I wanted to do it properly this time because I didn’t train, got injured at about mile 18 and had to walk the rest of the way,” he said.

“I’ve been into running since I was young, athletics was always my sport, so for me this has always been a bucket list thing.

“I can’t wait, it’s got to the stage now where I’m running 20 miles in training.

“It’s hard, but I know that when I’m on the start line and the crowds are cheering it’s just going to be the best atmosphere and I can’t wait.”