A MAN preparing to run his second London marathon says taking part is no longer about him - it is about how he can make a difference.

Wulston Alderman, 41, of Kidderminster, will be running on behalf of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) as a result of his father, grandfather and uncle all dying from heart-related illnesses.

He said: "My first marathon last year was all about proving something to myself but this time it is very different.

"I will be running in memory of my father and other close family members. This is emotional for me and I want to do what I can for the BHF."

He had already organised a fund-raising night in Kidderminster which featured rock band Stormy Monday and raised £495.

Mr Alderman, of Offmore Farm, added he had been in training since Christmas and has had to make sacrifices to concentrate on being well prepared.

He said he had pulled a few muscles and got a few blisters but his training was "going well" and he recently completed a half-marathon.

He explained: "Even if you have run marathons in the past, on the day it can be completely different - the weather can turn, you might not feel right, or other factors may be involved."

Mr Alderman, who works as an operations planning manager, said his family and friends had been supportive but they thought he was "mad" for going through with it again.

The marathon takes place on April 13 with Mr Alderman so far raising £953. To sponsor him visit www.justgiving.com/wulstonalderman