When many people hit their 70th year, they’re looking forward to the rocking chair and slippers.

Ken Griffiths is rather different. He’s looking forward to... running his first marathon.

Ken is a familiar face in Haslemere. Known as Community Ken, he’s always helping out local organisations.

And his 26.2-mile run at the London Marathon will also be benefiting good causes, as he is aiming to raise £5,000 for the Haslewey community centre.

He said: “The training is going very well –currently I can run 14 miles on one session, which ain’t at all bad for an old boy who does not run.

“But I know I need to add an additional 12 miles to that figure before the marathon on April 26!

“I feel one needs a challenge in life and running a marathon in your 70th year, especially when you have not run one before, is a challenge indeed.

“I know people will look at my photo and say how can he be that old when he looks so young! Well, perhaps I don’t, but I am definitely young at heart.

“Haslewey is our local community centre which relies on grants and donations to survive, and is a worthy cause.

“I am asking the good people of Haslemere and the surrounding district for their support in what to me is an epic challenge and something which will really test my physical and mental ability.

“It’s a real grit your teeth and get on with it moment!

“Encouragement through people’s good wishes and financial support to Haslewey will, I am sure, make every – and, towards the end, painful – step worthwhile.

“My target is £5,000. I have never run a marathon before – the furthest distance I have ever run is 13 miles, which was in last year’s London Landmarks half marathon.

“With gift aid included, I have now raised almost £3,000 towards my target of £5,000. To be honest, my only worry is the event could be cancelled because of coronavirus.

“If that happens, I will not let my supporters down and I will run the course on my own, with observers verifying I complete it.

“I am determined to cross the finishing line – even if I have to crawl.”

* To donate to Ken’s marathon run, log on to the Virgin money giving page at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KenGriffiths1