SLOWING down is not an option for a Claverdon grandad one step closer to taking on his 500th marathon.
David Phillips knows the route for the London Marathon by heart after running it for the past 18 years in aid of the Brain and Spine Foundation.
The 74-year-old runs as many marathons as he can and has raised nearly £110,000 since he first took up running for the charity.
His goal is to run 500 races – a target he will be just eight marathons off hitting after pounding the pavements of London on Sunday April 22.
The chartered accountant told the Observer: “It seems ages ago I started my quest – too long ago to remember.
“This wonderful charity does so much for people with brain and associated spine problems. It is a small charity but does a huge amount of work for those affected by neurological conditions.”
David’s long relationship with running began in 1982 when he made a bet to run the Coventry marathon.
Five years later he signed up to the Massey Ferguson running club, which he previously captained and is still a member of.
Since then his hobby has taken him all over the world from running between the pyramids in Egypt and the skyscrapers of New York.
And the accountant has been recognised for his running with an invite to one of the Queen’s Garden Party’s at Buckingham Palace.
And rather than enjoying champagne and cucumber sandwiches he is even considering taking the opportunity to raise even more money while he is there.
He said: “As a result of my work with the charity and everyone’s sponsorship, my wife and I have been invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May.
“Maybe I should take my begging bowl and running kit and do a marathon around the gardens there too.”
Visit ukvirginmoneygiving.com/Team/phillipsvlm2018 to donate.
