CHATTER, coffee and cake was enjoyed by all at a special fundraiser on Saturday, organised by Nick Bohane just a week before he is set to run the London Marathon.

The 34-year-old is no stranger to tackling the 26.2 mile race after successfully completing the marathon last year but to boost donations for his chosen charity, St John Ambulance, he decided to host a coffee morning with the help of North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson at his office in the Orbital Shopping Centre.

Making a profit of £305, Nick said he hopes he can reach his £1,800 target having already raised over £1,300.

“I have been doing lots of things to try and boost the donations," Nick said. "I work for Nationwide and we have had a dress down day and last week we held a raffle that raised £300."

As well as providing an assortment of cakes and doughnuts throughout the morning, donated by Krispy Kreme, Pippin and McDonalds, there was also a raffle with prizes including a trip to Parliament on the cards.

“It is so nice for people like Justin to give up their time on a Saturday but also during the Easter break and I’m really grateful people have come along and entered the raffle or bought a cake," Nick added.

“It has been humbling because local companies have been really generous in donating raffle prizes like the Wyvern Theatre and Kidz About."

Nick said he decided to choose St John Ambulance as he has seen first-hand the work they do as his wife Amber is a first aider for the charity. He added: “For me, St John Ambulance is one of those charities that goes under the radar. If you go to a concert, fete or any other outdoor event, they are always there offering support and it is those kinds of things that made me want to raise money to go towards training as well as resources and equipment.

“If I can raise even £1,500, it can go towards a defibrillator or £60 pays for a training course so if that helps train a person to save someone’s life then I think that is only a good thing.”

Justin Tomlinson MP said he was delighted to have been able to host the coffee morning at his office. He added: “St John Ambulance do a huge amount in our local community and Nick has organised this coffee morning as a brilliant way to give him an early boost with donations.”

To donate visit virginmoneygiving.com/NickBohane