A pub landlord who is swapping yards of ale for the 46,112 yards of a marathon has appealed to charities across Oxfordshire saying: "I'm yours if you want me".
Paul Silcock who runs the Gardener's Arms, in Plantation Road, Jericho, wants to raise funds for a local good cause when he tackles a 26.2-mile route around Edinburgh next year — but doesn't yet know which one to pick.
Now he hopes charities will come forward and he will be spoilt for choice.
The 34-year-old, who has been at the North Oxford pub for five years, said: "I'm looking for a local charity to come forward and I will run for them.
"The idea is not just the money I can get, but the awareness I can raise.
"I've got a lot of people's ears in the pub, so I can tell everyone about the charity and what it does and hopefully raise its profile."
A keen runner, Mr Silcock often jogs around the city and has experienced the Scottish course he will run in May.
He said: "I have always been a runner and the one marathon I have done before is the Edinburgh one. "The first time I did it, a couple of mates dared me to do it and I foolishly said 'marathons — they're easy!'
"I set a target of 3hrs 30mins before that race and managed it. It was a cold day and I just wanted to get it over and done with as quickly as possible.
"This year I thought it had been enough time since the first one and there's no ballot system with the Edinburgh Marathon so it was first come, first served on applications.
"Last time I managed to raise £1,500 for the MS Society, but I'll be looking to do more than that this time."
Mr Silcock said he has set himself a target of 3hrs 30mins again, but would be happy to raise more money than last time and complete the course at a slower pace.
Any charities wanting to take up the offer should call Mr Silcock on 01865 559814.
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