A CRICKETER who is more used to mammoth sessions at the crease than running is set to take on the London Marathon.

Simon Jones, who has played at Beaminster Cricket Club for more than 25 years is going to tackle the event this April for Children with Cancer UK.

He works as an auctioneer at Lawrence’s Fine Art in Crewkerne, having started there nearly 20 years ago.

As well as raising money for charity, Simon sees this as an opportunity to fulfil a long-term ambition.

He ran the Brighton Marathon a few years ago and has for a long time wanted to take on the London Marathon.

With the day fast approaching, with it taking place on Sunday, April 24, Simon said that excitement is building.

He said: “It’s not long to go, only about seven weeks.

“It should be an exciting day really. I’ve wanted to run the London Marathon for a few years.

"Fortunately I got a place through a really good charity.”

Simon said that his own children, and experiences of loved ones with cancer made this seem like the right the charity.

He said: “I’m just trying to raise as much as I can. I’ve got two young children, who are six and four and I have had a lot of family members who’ve been affected by cancer in one way or another.

“I thought all things considering it would be a good charity to run for.”

Recent wet weather could have deterred Simon from his training but he has kept going and he is hopeful of a positive day.

He said: “It’s been hard through the cold and the wet but I’m gradually building things up.

“Hopefully I’ll get round in one piece and record a decent time.”

Children with Cancer UK aims to research causes of cancer in children and also ways to prevent it as well as working with families and promoting awareness.

The charity also campaigns and raises money to help children.

If you would like to sponsor Simon, call Lawrence’s Auctioneers on 01460 73041.