A MEMBER of a Worcestershire business group is undergoing a gruelling training regime as he trains for the London Marathon.

Chris Orr, who is chair of Worcestershire Advance, and a member of the Worcestershire Ambassadors, is running the marathon to raise money for The Wooden Spoon, a rugby charity which funds life-changing projects across the UK and Ireland to support children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantages.

Speaking about the marathon on April 28, Mr Orr, said: “If you know me at all, then you will know that I used to be a keen runner.

“You will also know that over the last two years I’ve enjoyed a pint, or ten, and a kebab more than I have an hour pounding the pavement.

“Vince Hopkins and Laura Bligh are good friends of mine and both are involved in Wooden Spoon in Worcestershire.

“Vince was looking for a dynamic, well-connected, and enthusiastic runner to take on the London Marathon on behalf of Wooden Spoon. Instead he asked me.”

Mr Orr says that despite the gruelling nature of the challenge, he still fancies the challenge of raising £2,000 for the charity, saying:” The longest run I have ever done is 10 miles, therefore, 26.2 miles seems a bit insane.

“However, after doing Strictly Worcestershire, walking 50km along the Thames, and more, I quite fancy the challenge.

“Wooden Spoon is a fantastic charity that I have supported through membership and attendance of their 1st Thursday events for several years.”

Mr Orr’s said training is progressing well for the marathon, adding: “Training is going well, I’ve managed to run 20 miles so far in 3 hours and 19 minutes so I’m hoping that the thrill of the day and the buzz of the crowd will carry me through the last 6 miles.”

For more about Mr Orr’s fundraising efforts, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-orr-wa?