A 76-YEAR-OLD university professor is set to run this year’s London Marathon to raise funds for Nynehead Court in Wellington.

David Turner, Emeritus Professor of Pathology at Nottingham University, has run 20 marathons since taking up running in his 50s.

He will be running the London Marathon on April 26 and, for the first time, ‘Prof’ as he is known, is running for a cause.

His beneficiary is Mulberry Wing at Nynehead Court in Wellington for people living with dementia.

The wing was purpose-built several years ago but requires new garden furniture so residents can spend more time outside in the sensory garden when spring comes.

People living in or driving through Devon and Somerset can cheer ‘Prof’ on as he trains across the Devon/Somerset borders, in the northern part of the Blackdown Hills and towards Wellington and Nynehead, and Nynehead Court is asking local people to look out for him and lend him their support.

People can also support him by making a donation via Nynehead Court’s website.

Nynehead Court manager Angela Watkins said: “Prof has visited Nynehead Court on several occasions and he and his wife are hoping to purchase a Mews property in the future.

“We are delighted he has chosen to support the residents of Nynehead Court through his running and are looking forward to cheering him on during the event.”