A man will pay tribute to his father’s memory by running the London Marathon.

David Holdstock from Rickmansworth will take on the 26-mile running event to raise money for The Margaret Centre Hospice in Leytonstone who cared for his terminally ill father, Alfred, until his death in 2017.

Watford Observer:

David Holdstock

Mr Holdstock, 54, started a Just Giving page in preparation for the marathon and set a target of £2,500.

He will also spend a day working at HOB Hair Salons in Rickmansworth making the tea and sweeping up to help raise funds for the hospice on April 6.

He said: “Dad was our inspiration, our hero and the most positive person you could ever wish to meet. He lived his life with a positive outlook about everything and everyone.

“He had a number of 'short breaks' at The Margaret Centre Hospice where he was cared for by the wonderful nurses, doctors and support staff. As well as his medical care, they would always go the extra mile for him - often cooking dad special meals as he had a passion for good food.

“In his memory and to give a little back to the hospice on behalf of our family, I am running the London Marathon. It's my first marathon and so has special significance for us in so many ways.

“Everyone at The Margaret Centre went the extra mile for my dad - and so I'm am hoping to go the extra 26 miles for them.

“I would also like to thank all the team at HOB Hair Salon in Rickmansworth for supporting me.”

Watford Observer:

David Holdstock

Natasha Knight, manager of HOB Salons, said: “We are delighted to be supporting David, one of our regular clients, to help raise funds for this amazing cause.”

She added: “We’ll certainly work him hard during his time with us.”

Mr Holdstock’s Just Giving page can be found at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DavidHoldstock