A Maldon man is just £800 away from the fundraising target he needs to reach to enter this year's London Marathon, on behalf of a 'fantastic' local charity.

Before Neil Pilgrim can secure a place in the marathon, he needs to reach his fundraising target of £2,000 for Farleigh Hospice.

In order to achieve this, Neil has organised several fundraising events, including a charity golf day at Forrester Park Golf Club in Great Totham, along with a raffle and an upcoming quiz night.

Having recently turned 40, the marathon is on Neil's bucket list. He is taking this opportunity to raise money for a good cause in the process.

Established in 1982, Farleigh Hospice provides care tailored to the needs of those affected by life-limiting illnesses and bereavement across mid Essex. Like Neil, the charity has also celebrated its 40th birthday this year.

Neil said: "I was born and bred in Maldon, so I know it's always been a local charity that does good work.

"Cancer and other life-threatening illnesses are something that can come upon all of us, and Farleigh Hospice does a fantastic job helping these people and those around them."

Despite the record-breaking weather just over a week ago, with temperatures reaching almost 40°C, Neil still managed to go out and run in preparation for the big day, on Sunday 2 October.

With three children aged seven, four, and two, Neil acknowledges it has been 'challenging', having to fit his training in between work and parenting.

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He said: "You have to get out in the early morning or late in the evening."

Fortunately, Neil's wife Laura has been on hand to support and encourage him, as well as helping him to reach his fundraising target.

While £2,000 is the minimum donation needed to enter the marathon, Neil says he wants to raise as much as he can for the charity.

In May, Neil completed the Colchester Half-Marathon, running 13.1 miles in just 2 hours and 4 minutes.

He hopes to complete the London Marathon in 4 hours, "providing my body allows me to".

Neil said: "This is by far the hardest challenge I have ever done and any sponsorship, no matter how big or small, will be very much appreciated!"

Those wishing to contribute to Neil's marathon sponsorship can do so via his JustGiving page.