THE former chairman of Somerset County Cricket Club hopes to raise £1,000 for every mile he runs at the 2019 Virgin London Marathon.

Andy Nash declined a farewell dinner at the club and has asked instead for donations to his fundraising efforts in aid of Children's Hospice South West.

Mr Nash, who retired in January after 14 years with the club, hopes to collect a total of £26,000 during his first marathon.

He is already training and launched his fundraising campaign at the Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton, on Thursday (December 13).

He said: "It’s traditional for the club to mark the service given by a retiring senior officer, but rather than add more inches to my waistline with a dinner, I thought I’d try to lose some instead by running the London Marathon for a great cause.

"It’s a privilege to have an opportunity to do my bit for a cause that does such terrific work in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall at their three hospices.

"I'd like to thank Somerset County Cricket Club for supporting me in this quest."

There will be a collection for the fundraiser at the club’s first fixture under new floodlights against Essex in the Royal London One-Day Cup on April 26, two days before the race.

His successor, Charles Clark, said: "The club is right behind Andy in his bid to run the famous London Marathon and raise a significant sum for CHSW.

"This is a wonderful charity with whom Somerset County Cricket Club has worked very closely for many years.

"It's typical of Andy that he's taken a highly original approach to mark the end of his period as chairman, as well as setting himself a daunting personal challenge.

"As a club we're delighted to not only support Andy’s run financially, but also to work with him to promote his efforts.

"I hope all our members and supporters, who are renowned for their generosity, will join with us in contributing to this excellent cause. The players and staff at the club will likewise be throwing themselves behind the event."

Eddie Farwell, CHSW founder and chief executive, said: "We’re delighted Andy has chosen to support CHSW by undertaking this incredible challenge and are so grateful to Somerset for their ongoing support of our charity.

"CHSW offers vital support to more than 500 families living in the South West – respite for the whole family; a sibling service for brothers and sisters; emergency support; end of life care; and a bereavement service for as long as it is needed."

You can support Mr Nash at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?pageId=997635

You can also bid for cricket tickets, experiences and memorabilia donated by county clubs at www.ebaystores.co.uk/Childrens-Hospice-South-West-Shop?_trksid=p2047675.l2563&