A CHIP shop manager is hoping to prove himself a marathon man for a cause close to his heart.

Nathan Wood, 37, manages the Marlboro restaurant in Weymouth and will be taking on the 26-mile London Marathon on April 21 for the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

Dorset Echo:

He will be running in memory of his late father-in-law who passed away recently due to mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer, as well as his nan, Barbara Penny, who died of stomach cancer.

He will be running alongside his friend and ex-Weymouth FC footballer Andy Harris who will be raising money for NSPCC.

Ex-Royal Navy man Nathan decided to run the marathon after his wife suggested that he took part in memory of her father, which he says has provided him with a goal to work towards and helped motivate him to regain the level of fitness that he previously had.

As part of his training, he has racked up a series of races, including Dumble Bimble 5K on Portland, despite fracturing a metatarsal, the Blackmore Vale Half Marathon and he is also competing in the Brooks Fleet Half Marathon.

He hopes that his training will allow him and Andy to complete the marathon in four hours.

Weldmar Hospicecare Trust provides free palliative care to people in north, south and west Dorset, with 75 per cent of funding provided locally.

Nathan is aiming to raise £2,400 to go towards what he believes is a ‘fantastic service’.

Several fundraiser events have been set up by Nathan in order to collect money for the cause, such as a recent Las Vegas-style casino night at the Weymouth Angling Club, and the Marlboro Golf Society charity golf day on April 18.

Nathan said his family have been very supportive in terms of helping to organise the fundraising events by helping to fund the buffet meal as well as providing entertainment.

His bosses at the Marlboro restaurant have also supported him by offering to be the sponsors of the charity golf day event.

Donations can also be made at virginmoneygiving.com/ nathanwood1