AN ILMINSTER marathon man is set to take on the most famous race in the world in memory of his loving mum.

Mike Towill will attempt to conquer the London Marathon when runners take to the streets of the capital later this year, and is raising money for St Margaret’s Hospice.

The charity provided end-of-life care for his mum, Linda, and Mike said ‘there isn’t a more deserving charity of my support’.

He added: “In February 2016 my mother spent four weeks at the hospice in Yeovil and I was blown away by the work they did in the most testing of circumstances.

“Having witnessed first-hand the amazing care and dedication they offer patients, family and friends, my aim is to raise a minimum of £2,000.

“Your support will really help me to get around the 26.2-mile route. A huge thank you for all donations.”

Mike applied for a London Marathon place through St Margaret’s Hospice last Autumn, but was initially unsuccessful.

He said: “Just prior to Christmas I received a phone call out of the blue from Sonia Bateman, events fund-raiser at St Margaret’s.

“They had, unfortunately, had someone withdraw due to injury and asked if I would like to fulfil the space?

“In that position, you don’t say ‘no’, and I was only too happy - if slightly daunted - to jump in.

“Training is going well so far although it is certainly a challenge. Fund-raising is also well on the way to my target of £2,000.”

Mike’s cash collecting received a massive boost after a Vintage cream tea was held in support of his efforts.

He added: “The cream tea raised £585, which is an amazing result and credit to Helena and her team for all of the hard work they put it.”

The Vintage Cream Tea is held on the first Sunday of each month and every event is in support of a new charity or local cause. Last year, Linda’s friends also held a cream tea event and raised more than £2,000.

Helena Jones is community champion at Ilminster Tesco and organiser of the Vintage Cream Tea events.

She said: “I knew Mike already from the cream tea they did last year, which raised more than £2,000.

“In total, we have raised more than £12,500 for different charities. We have done about 20 over the last two years, it is really good.

“We are booked up to 2020 for charities and groups. Our next one is for the RNLI in April.”

Helena said she started the event by just picking up some decorations in charity shops, and she never expected it to take off like it has.

Helena started the event with Claire Timpson, and he team now consists of Kenny Timpson, Kylie and Craig Brister, Abbi Nettley, Jo Clarke, Sally, Ruby, Phoebe, Harvey and Keira.

Helena added: “Those are my volunteers, and I couldn’t do it without them.”

To donate to Mike’s effort, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/michael-towill