A father-of-two is gearing up to take on his third London Marathon in a bid raise cash for a charity which eases the strain on families with sick or disabled children.

Mike Flower, of Mulbarton, raised thousands of pounds for charity when he ran the marathon in 2005 and 2006.

Now, he is pulling on his trainers to pound the pavement in London once again, this year to raise funds for the National Holiday Fund.

The 39-year-old said: 'The charity is for sick and disabled children, it's been going for a number of years.

'They take seriously-ill children on a unique trip to Disneyland Florida for two weeks, with doctors and carers who give them 24/seven support. It benefits the children and the parents.

'It's a great charity and worked out well as I wanted to run another marathon before I turn 40 next month.'

The price tag for the trips, which run twice a year, is estimated to be at around £40,000 – around £3,000 a child.

Although Mr Flower, who runs with the Norfolk Harriers, has set a target of £1,750, he would ideally like to raise enough to send one child on holiday.

'So far with all donations I have around £900, with colleagues and friends helping me out,' he said.

At the start of the month he embarked on a 16-week training programme in the build-up to the race, but he said that his history in running is helping him avoid the aches and pains.

'I have been running for a number of years and once a month I try to run something like 10 miles or a half marathon, so it hasn't been too bad yet,' he added.

This year's London Marathon will take place on April 26.

Ninety-nine pence out of every £1 donated to the NHF goes towards the cost of the trips.

To donate, visit Mr Flower's fundraising page at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MikeFlower12970

For more information on the charity visit www.nhfcharity.co.uk

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