PEWSEY firefighter Martin Lay has called on the support of his fellow crewmen to join him at a charity car wash to help him raise funds for a cancer charity as he prepares for the London Marathon.

In an effort to raise £1,750 for Children with Cancer, the on-call crew manager has organised the car wash on Saturday between 9am-4pm.

This is the first time Mr Lay has taken part in a marathon, although he has competed in several half Ironman events, which involve swimming 1.9km, cycling 90km and running 21km.

"I have been entering the ballot for years to get a place at the London Marathon, but with no luck," he said.

"When I decided to go down the route of getting a charity place, I decided to focus on something that helps children – thankfully my two are healthy, but I cannot imagine how difficult it must be for families whose children are ill.

"This way, I get to do something I have always wanted to do, and a really good cause gets some much needed funds.”

Taking part in the world-famous event fulfils a long-held ambition of Martin’s, who is now juggling his training with his fire service commitments and looking after his two young children.

The event takes place on April 23 and to donate visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/MartinLay