A marathon hopeful has gone the extra mile for charity.

Honley man Jimmy Marshall has already raised an impressive £5,500 for terminal illness support organisation Marie Curie despite not even having run the race he has entered yet, the London Marathon.

Taking place on Sunday, it will be the first ever marathon for Frank Marshall Estates director Jimmy, who decided to put himself up to it in memory of his dad Ernest, who suffered from Parkinson’s and dementia.

It’s been a “massive challenge” for Jimmy, who until he started training recently had not run for years.

“I ran the Great North Run eight years ago and since then I think I’ve done no running.

“I’ve taken it fairly seriously and have done about 200 miles in training since I started in November.

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“I went from running zero hours to five hours a week but within a few weeks I couldn’t walk as my knee was in so much pain.

“I had to take a bit of time out to have physio and got a coach who helped me build up slowly.

“I find it fine until 15 miles then that’s when it starts getting hard.

“I hope to finish in between four and a half and five hours.”

He explained why he wanted to raise money for Marie Curie, who looked after his dad until he died in 2013 aged 76.

“My Father had suffered from Parkinson’s disease and dementia for a number of years but as his condition deteriorated he required 24 hour care which put a huge strain on my brother and I.

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“It was his wish to remain at home so we moved heaven and earth to ensure this happened.

“We couldn’t have managed it without the invaluable support of a team of amazing Marie Curie nurses who provided overnight care three nights a week.

“It was such a huge relief when the nurse arrived as it gave us the opportunity to get some much needed rest, safe in the knowledge that my father was being well looked after.

“Competing in the London Marathon is an exciting challenge for me and it’s my way of giving something back to the charity which stepped in when times were hard.

“Fundraising means that I’m playing a part in helping to ensure other local people can access the service.”

To donate to Jimmy’s cause, go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/jimmymarshall