MARATHON runner Joseph Heffell will be raising funds for our military heroes when he takes on the capital challenge for the second year running.

The drug and alcohol advisor from Weymouth is running the London Marathon for Combat Stress, a charity that supports ex-servicemen.

He is aiming to raise more than £500 for homeless ex-military personnel in Weymouth and Portland.

Mr Heffell, 48, of Chickerell Road, said: “I work in drug and alcohol treatment in Weymouth and with the homeless so it is something I experience in my job.

“Through working with the homeless, we have housed four ex-servicemen just this year.”

Mr Heffell took on his first marathon in 2007 in the mountainous conditions of Snowdonia.

His second effort was the London Marathon last year, which he completed in around four hours 15 minutes.

He is looking to get his time down to under four hours this year and says he cannot wait to sample the camaraderie and atmosphere again after last year’s experience.

He said: “It was brilliant. It was like you were running with family. I’m looking forward to doing it again.”

Mr Heffell will also be hoping to inspire youngsters at the Weymouth St Paul’s Harriers athletics club, where he has been a coach for the past five years.

Last year he raised around £500 for homeless people in Weymouth and Portland and this year he is aiming to at least match that.

  • To sponsor Mr Heffell, contact him on 01305 778040.