A south Warwickshire long distance runner is taking part in the 1999 London Marathon and raising money for Crimestoppers – the charity which fights crime and creates safer communities.

Alec Edmonds, a retired florist from Preston on Stour, near Stratford, is well into the tough training schedule for the 26 mile event on April 18. He is now appealing for sponsorship to raise cash for Crimestoppers.

Fifty seven year old Alec is an experiences runner who has completed nine marathons.

He has finished the London marathon three times with a best time of three hours 18 minutes.

Alec is committed to early morning training and regularly runs the country lanes around his home at 4.30am – he is currently averaging around 45 miles per week.

Alec is dedicated to raising around £600 for Crimestoppers, the crime-fighting charity which provides a simple and safe way for the public to help the police by dialling the freephone number 0800 555 111 with information about crime.

He said:

"The training is going well. I now need sponsorship from as many people as possible to boost the money I raise for this very worthwhile charity."