London Marathon: Man to run for people with learning difficulties

Darren Smith has had more than £2,500 in sponsorship pledges

A lawyer is to run the London marathon to raise money for a charity which supports people with learning difficulties

Darren Smith, from Blaby in Leicestershire, will take on the 26.2-mile (42.1km) course through the capital on Sunday.

He will be raising money for Mencap and has already surpassed his £2,500 fundraising target.

The charity has thanked him for his efforts.

Mr Smith said: "The training is hard work and I didn't fully appreciate what goes on behind the scenes to get you ready for the start line.

"Fitting it in with work and other commitments is a struggle.

"I've always run, but never more than 10Ks or half-marathons.

"For me that changed at the beginning of 2022 when I ramped up running to lose some weight and improve fitness after the pandemic.

"Mencap stood out, because I didn't want to just run for any charity and it is a fantastic charity and does great work for people with learning disabilities.

Mary O'Hagan, director of fundraising at Mencap, said: "It's wonderful to have Darren as part of Team Mencap.

"He's gone above and beyond with fundraising, which is amazing."