SOUTH Littleton man Dan Holloway will be remembering his college friend as he pounds the pavement during the London Marathon.

The 24-year-old football coach who works for Nike is looking to complete the 26.2-mile race in under four hours and raise money for the CRY charity, (Cardiac Risk in the Young).

"A college friend at Hartpury College died from the condition at just 16 years of age so I have chosen to support the charity for the race. I have been involved in the charity over the past eight years. The condition is known to affect many young people throughout the country," he said.

"I get to meet a lot of sports people through my job and I have been given a pair of gloves signed by England and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart which I will put into a raffle. After the race, anyone who has donated on my fundraising page will be put into a draw to win them," he added.

Mr Holloway has been training for the past few months around his home in the Vale and has worn out two pairs of trainers. The furthest he has run in a training session is 20 miles but he is confident about the race on April 24.

"I am confident as long as I don't injure myself during training. I've had the odd niggle but I think I should do OK. I'm looking forward to it and hope for a good time."

Mr Holloway has put a target of £2,000 to raise and has already reached almost £870 with gift aid. His fundraising page can be found at: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Dan Holloway