Oxford care home owner Andrew Longthorp is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for ex-servicemen by taking part in this year's London Marathon.

The 42-year-old, who co-owns St Andrew's Care Home, in Headington, is supporting the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, a charity which helps more than 50,000 ex-servicemen every year.

Mr Longthorp, who has raised funds for SSAFA before, said: "A lot of ex-servicemen need help and the charity needs a lot of money.

"I have discovered that many servicemen end up in hostels or living on the streets and these people really benefit from the charity."

He added that with British troops fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq there was a special need to support SSAFA, which was founded in 1885 and became a charity in 1919 following the establishment of the Royal Air Force in 1918.

Mr Longthorp has completed the London Marathon twice before, with a best time of 4hrs 15mins.

Three years ago, the amateur athlete also took on the gruelling Marathon Des Sables, a six-day, 151-mile endurance race across the Sahara Desert, in Morocco, to raise money for Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital.

He said: "I'd like to say I'm ready for the marathon, but I'm not sure."

Joan Campbell, 81, formerly a secretary of the Oxford branch of SSAFA, praised Andrew's efforts.

She said: "There are more soldiers than ever that need help these days and the charity needs as much money as possible."

SSAFA also thanked Mr Longthorp for his support and encouraged other volunteers to consider raising funds for the charity.

A spokesman said: "Working with both the serving and ex-service communities can make a real difference to people's lives."

The London Marathon takes place on Sunday, April 13. To help Mr Longthorp reach his initial £2,000 fundraising target visit www.justgiving.com/andrewlongthorp

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