A St Neots man who is aiming to achieve a personal best time in this year’s London Marathon is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for an animal research charity.

Selwyn Parrish, aged 48, from Eynesbury Manor, is looking to improve on his time of three hours and 46 minutes when he takes part in the annual event on April 24.

Mr Parrish, a commercial manager for East Anglian Galvanizing, based in Sawtry, started running in 2014 and will be competing in his fourth marathon. He is raising money for the Animal Health Trust, based near Newmarket, which raises money for the research and treatment of horses and other animals.

“As the owner of two dogs, Bertie and Buster, I fully appreciate the huge benefits and rewards I gain from having companion animals in my life,” said Mr Parrish.

“As with all living things, from time to time, they can go wrong and that’s where the Animal Health Trust comes in. Thanks to their pioneering research into developing better diagnostic tests, treatments and vaccines my dogs – and yours – are living healthier, happier lives.

“There is, however, still work to be done and that’s why I am running the marathon. The money I raise will go straight back into furthering the Animal Health Trust’s research programmes to improve the understanding of disease and injury in horses, cats and dogs and applying this knowledge to their welfare.”

INFORMATION: To sponsor Mr Parrish, go to: www.virginmoneygiving.com/SelwynParrish, and for information about the charity, go to: www.aht.org.uk.