RUNNER Phil Jefferies has vowed not to let his struggle with asthma prevent him from completing the London Marathon this year.

The 49-year-old, from Haydon Wick, is taking on the 26-mile challenge in aid of Asthma UK, despite being diagnosed with the lung disease when he was just 10-years-old.

But to take part in the popular summer marathon he needs to raise around £1,800 for the privilege, and as part of that he plans to appear on a treadmill in various supermarkets around the town in the lead up to the event.

The driving instructor even proved he was physically up to the challenge, completing the whole distance on a treadmill in Sainsbury’s.

Phil said: “I used to do a lot of running when I was younger in my mid-twenties, and I did the Swindon half marathon in 1988 and that was probably my biggest race.

“Obviously in my job I sit down a lot and don’t get a lot of exercise, and I had become very, very unfit.

“It was part of wanting to get fitter and to complete a marathon before I turned 50 that I wanted to try and do the London Marathon.

“Suffering with asthma myself I also wanted to give something back, which is why I wanted to do it to raise money for Asthma UK.

“Many people think that exercising would make your asthma worse, but it doesn’t, it actually improves it.

“I’m also pleased that I actually have already completed the distance. It’s quite reassuring that I know I can do it it’s just a matter of keeping it up until the big day.”

To find out more or show your support to Phil, sponsor him through his Virgin Money Giving page at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PhilipJefferies.