POLICEMAN Les Fry is running off to pound the streets of London… for 26.2 miles.

The Section Commander for Dorchester is running the London Marathon on April 26 with PC Kevin Hoff and Kevin’s wife Claire.

35>Inspector Fry is running to raise money for Julia’s House and the Motor Neurone Disease Association and has set a target of £2,000 for each charity.

He chose the Motor Neurone Disease Association as he has a close relative with the disease.

He said: “It’s a horrible illness and I’ve seen people who had it who were fit and active people but died very quickly.

“And in case anyone fears their donation will be spent nationally and they will lose track of it I’ve arranged for all donations to go to the West Dorset Branch.”

Inspector Fry has run the marathon twice before - in 2006 and 2007 - but says this will be his most challenging yet as injury and bad weather put his training back.

He has built up to 19 mile runs and is now starting to ‘taper down’ his running in preparation.

He said: “I run as and when I can as it’s a case of fitting it in between work and family commitments.

“I tore my hamstring in November and that put me out for six weeks so that meant I could not start training until the start of the year.”

PC Hoff and Mrs Hoff are running for Motor Neurone Disease Association and Aid International.

PC Hoff, 39, will also be running his third marathon having completed London before and the Las Vegas marathon, where an Elvis impersonator fired the starting gun.

He said: “Las Vegas was cracking and as it started at 6am it was quite cool.

He is pleased with the choice of charities as an ex-colleague of his died after developing Motor Neurone Disease.

He said: “He went down hill in a matter of a year really and this money will go towards respite and care.” “I’m looking forward to the marathon because it’s a fantastic day and the atmosphere is brilliant.”

PC Hoff’s wife Claire, 37, a secretary, is taking on the 26.2 mile run for the first time.

She said: “I’m feeling OK although the nerves hit me the other day a bit.

“I’m feeling good as I’ve just done a 22 mile practice run.”

To donate cheques and cash can be given to Inspector Fry at Dorchester police station on Weymouth Avenue.

Or visit justgiving.com/lesfry or justgiving.com/lesfry1.

On Friday, April 17, a race night is being held at the police social club in Radipole Lane, Weymouth.

Entry is £5 with proceeds going to the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Deafness Research. Doors open at 7.30.

WHAT IS MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE?

Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the upper and lower motor neurones.

Degeneration of the motor neurones leads to weakness and wasting of muscles, causing increasing loss of mobility in the limbs and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing.

Aid International is a fund-raising charitable trust and is a Partnership of Charities taking Aid to the Poor.

Their projects include providing housing, food and clothing for people in South America and South Africa.

Julia's House is Dorset's only hospice dedicated to children with life-limiting conditions.

The majority of the children they care for are unlikely to live beyond the age of 18.