Man to run two marathons for Banbury's Dogs for Good charity

James Wood, from Fairford, accepted an invitation from Dogs for Good to participate in the London Marathon, after initially committing to the Brighton marathon which takes place two weeks prior.

Mr Wood, who owns two dogs, instantly stood for the canine charity once marathon plans were set.

Mr Wood with son Bobby at the Dogs for Good engagement morning, meeting one of the charity’s clients (Image: Practice Plus Group)

Dogs for Good trains assistance dogs for people with disabilities.

Mr Wood is an amateur in marathon running and found his initial inspiration from his wife, a previous participant of the London Marathon.

He said: "Doing both marathons was too good an opportunity to pass up.

"My wife ran the London Marathon last year which inspired me to complete one myself.

"I quickly signed up to the Brighton Marathon thinking it would be too hard to get a place in London and was eager to focus on a new fitness goal."

The challenge of training for two marathons has been further compounded by the birth of Mr Wood's son, Bobby, on Christmas Day.

He added: "When I signed up, we didn’t know we were expecting our first child, and certainly didn’t anticipate our son, Bobby, being born on Christmas Day – which slightly put a bump in the training.

"But despite a few broken nights, I’ve managed to keep my training going and have hit the 16-mile mark so far.

"In January, I received a call from Dogs for Good saying they’d had a runner drop-out from their London Marathon team.

"They asked if I’d like to take their place on the start line.

"I jumped at the chance as it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - though I’m not sure my wife felt the same way, knowing how much I’d be out training."

He has set himself a target of raising a minimum of £1000.

Mr Wood's employer, Practice Plus Group, a UK-based independent healthcare provider, is supporting the cause by offering to match fundraiser contributions up to £500.

Tina Williams, regional and events fundraiser at Dogs for Good, said: “We are so happy that James has chosen to run for us and very grateful that James is running two marathons for us and raising much needed funds.

"Our charity counts on contributions and efforts from people like James."

Mr Wood balances his fitness regime with his role as a content specialist and deems running a great stress-reliever.

He looks forward to both marathons and the charity boost they promise, and Dogs for Good wishes him luck.

Donations to Dogs for Good on James's account can be made online.