A runner from Holybourne is taking part in the London Marathon with the aim of raising more than £2,000 for young Ukrainians and their families affected by the war with Russia.

On April 26 Andy Short, of Cranford Drive, will run in the event for International Needs UK, a charity involved in restoration and rehabilitation in Ukraine and neighbouring Romania.

Andy has finished five marathons, including Paris and Edinburgh, and his personal best time over 26 miles and 385 yards is three hours, 49 minutes and 51 seconds.

This will be his first attempt at London, in which runners see such landmarks as Tower Bridge and the Cutty Sark. He hopes to beat that personal best with a time of around three hours 47 minutes.

Over the last four years International Needs UK has worked with traumatised Ukrainian children who have seen the war.

Specially trained therapists have helped them grapple with their trauma through traditional storytelling, art and other therapeutic activities.

International Needs UK is piloting a respite programme in which women from Ukraine can leave the conflict zone for a two-week retreat featuring creative therapies and counselling opportunities.

The charity is also supporting a team of female chaplains working in the war-torn regions and arranging convoys of aid into Ukraine.

Andy said: ”We’ve all been shocked by the length and severity of this war, but perhaps don’t know what we can do about it ourselves.

“International Needs UK has a deep understanding of what’s happening and how best to support Ukrainians in this difficult time. If I can support their endeavours simply by running, I’ll run the best race I possibly can.

“I would encourage Altonians - and supporters further afield - to dig deep and see how much we can raise together for this hugely important work.”