Violinist aims to raise marathon amount

Buy photos » Violinist Byron Parish gets set for the London Marathon. Picture supplied by Neil Pugh. (s)

AN ALVECHURCH violinist will be adding another string to his bow as he undertakes a gruelling 26.2 mile challenge.

Byron Parish, who plays with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, is hoping to raise £2,000 for the Bowel and Cancer Research charity by completing the London Marathon on April 21.

The 41-year-old said he began running five years ago after rupturing his Achilles tendon and being advised by his physiotherapist to begin

training. Since then he has done five half-marathons and regularly runs with the Barnt Green Chuggers.

He has been training by running three times a week along the canal towpath near his home and hopes to complete the marathon in under four hours, spurred on by his eight-year-old daughter Chloe who will be at the start line to support him.

"I looked around for a charity to run for - one that would mean most to me and spur me on for the last few miles. Bowel cancer has touched many people close to me, both colleagues at work and a member of my family," he said.

Charity chief executive Deborah Gilbert added: "More than 40,000 people are affected by bowel cancer in the UK each year. Fund-raising by people like Byron is invaluable in our efforts to help find a cure."

Visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/ByronParish to support donate.

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