A SALE fireman is gearing up to run his first marathon to raise money for two worthy causes.

John Burgess, 47, is running the ASICS Manchester Marathon, in Trafford ,on April 6 for his chosen charities the Alzheimer’s Society and the Fire Fighters Charity and he has already raised more than £400.

John’s mother died from Alzheimer’s disease five years so he was determined to do something like this in her memory.

He said: “It means a lot to be doing something like this. My dad looked after my mum for 12 years so she was looked after for a long time. Doing this marathon is like paying her back, as a thank you.”

As well as running this marathon, John is also doing the Oulton Park half marathon on February 23 and the BUPA Greater Manchester 10K, on May 18.

To sponsor John visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/JohnBurgess999.