James McGill

A first-time marathon runner from Taplow is fulfilling a lifelong ambition by competing this weekend.

James McGill, from Mill Lane, has attempted to take part in the race for several years but has been unsuccessful in the ballots – until now.

The 30-year-old chartered accountant has only run a half marathon and would not call himself a seasoned runner, but he is keen to soak in the atmosphere on Sunday in the capital.

James is running for

NHS Charities Together and is hoping to raise about £1,000 for the good cause.

He added that a mixture of 2000s pop punk and ‘a little bit of cheese’ in his headphones gets him through hard times.

“They are a nice cause and it would be great if I could reach that target – it just gives me that extra motivation,” James said.

“Training has been pretty hard-going but also fun in terms of reaching different milestones and distances.”

James’ fundraising page can be found at justgiving.com/fundraising/ James-McGill30