KEEN runner Ed Flower will be joining the Virgin London Marathon in aid of the Guide Dogs charity.

The 34-year-old, who grew up in Sutton Poyntz, chose to raise money for the Guide Dogs because he said the work they do ‘fascinates him’.

Mr Flower lives in London because he works in the city but he travels to Weymouth to visit his family and friends every weekend.

The former Weymouth College student said he seemed to see more guide dogs every day in London helping commuters get to and from work.

He said he was fascinated by their ability to guide their owners and had recently attended the guide dogs training headquarters to learn more about their skills.

Mr Flower added: “You’ve got to appreciate what life would be like without the ability to see.

“Whether that’s brushing your teeth in the morning or trying to get dressed with your eyes closed, you’d only get a slight indication of what life would be like without sight.

“Without these dogs, some people wouldn’t have a life.

“Dogs have various roles but giving someone a life like that is one of their greatest abilities.”

He added that each dog costs thousands of pounds to train so the charity needs all the support it can get.

This is his second marathon but he said he’s been training hard for it.

He said: “I’ve been training regularly for this but it’s been hard fitting it around work.

“Sometimes I’ve had to run to and from work which is 10 miles each way.”

Mr Flower is aiming to raise £1,500.

To sponsor him, visit justgiving.com/edflower