Scott Thornton trains for his first marathon

Scott Thornton, former Reuters correspondent and manager, is running this year's Virgin London Marathon for a Scottish charity that helps children and adults with learning difficulties.

Glasgow-based Thornton, in training for the full 26.2 miles in April when he will be 63, is running his fourth half marathon, in Edinburgh, this Sunday.

“I took up long distance running at the ridiculously late age of 61, having never before run more than a mile or two although I have always been a keen tennis player,” he said. 

“My eldest daughter Laura is a fundraising manager with McMillan Cancer Care and I have watched her run two marathons.

“I wanted to run the London Marathon in aid of ENABLE Scotland as my daughter Fiona has a learning disability and is profoundly deaf. Learning disability charities are seriously under-funded. They are not nearly as popular or easy to promote as many other charities and deserve far more recognition. These charities have a special place in my affections since my close involvement with my daughter brings me into regular contact with them. Knowing so many of them will give me extra motivation for the London Marathon. ENABLE Scotland is doing such a great job of providing practical assistance. The London Marathon will be by far the most physically challenging experience of my life and I will need all the encouragement I can get!”

You can sponsor him at www.justgiving.com/scottscotland. ■