A Kent man is lacing up his running shoes and tackling the country’s most famous distance race for local charity.

Carl Stoakes of Whitstable, will be one of the some-36,000 entrants which are running the Virgin Money London Marathon this year, and he’ll be supporting the KM Charity Team across the 26.2 mile event.

Mr Stoakes, said: “There are many charities available, all of which provide fantastic work, but I decided to run for the KM Charity Team as they offer vital services to the wellbeing of the county’s children. It is essential that we give our young people the best possible tools in order to prosper in the adult world.”

He added: “I’m a keen runner so I’m really looking forward to the marathon and the challenges it poses, but I must admit, getting up at 04:30am to train before work has been very hard indeed!

The KM Charity Team offer initiatives to support literacy practices for school children, as well as promoting a healthier, safer lifestyle through their walk to school programmes.

More than 40,000 school children across Kent, Medway and Bexley benefit from Walk on Wednesday (WOW), Active Bug and Green Footsteps which prompt green travel and teach children essential road safety skills as well as protecting the environment from harmful emissions.

Last academic year alone the schemes saw a record-breaking reduction of 250,871 car journeys from local roads.

The Virgin Money London Marathon takes place on Sunday, April 24, and runners will pass through some of the capital city’s most recognisable locations and landmarks

Simon Dolby, chief executive of the KM Charity Team, said: “We are extremely humbled by the news of Carl’s support. The marathon is one of the truly great sports calendar events globally, and for our work to be represented on such a stage is tremendous. We will be backing his efforts fully and sincerely hope many people take the time to donate.”

To donate to Mr Stoakes’ marathon fundraising, visit www.justgiving.com/Carl-Stoakes