WORKING for Samaritans has prompted David Wrottesley to run the London Marathon for the cause.

As a press officer for the charity, the former St Albans School pupil, 27, has seen first hand the importance of the work it carries out in providing a helpline around the clock for those who need confidential, non-judgemental emotional support.

David, who is a former Herts Advertiser reporter, said: “It’s a really important cause because we get over five million calls a year from those who are in distress and may have suicidal thoughts and we are available all through the year, when many other services are closed. We have a network of 200 branches in the UK and ROI and 18,500 dedicated volunteers. “

He continued: “I’m not an experienced marathon runner, in fact it’s my first marathon (I once ran in the St Albans Boys School cross country team many many years ago) so I’m feeling a bit concerned about whether I can actually do the distance!

“But I’m putting in the miles and have done a couple of half marathons in training and am feeling quite fit at the moment compared to my usual lazy self. I’ve even been running home after a day’s work.”

David, who is currently living in Blackheath which is about 200 metres from the startline, is also getting tips from his dad Mike Wrottesley, of Beechwood Ave, who has run 10 London Marathons but is not running this year.

His fundraising target is �2,000 and you can sponsor him by visiting www.virginmoneygiving.com/davidwrottesley