A Bicester man who said he would never run the London Marathon again has had a change of heart.

Keith Jones

Last year Keith Jones, 41, took part in the event and raised more than £2,530 for Amy Young, of Austin Walk, Bicester, who had a rare form of bone cancer.

Amy has since put the money toward a holiday home that other families with sick children will be able to use.

Now Mr Jones is hoping to raise a similar amount for Children with Leukaemia.

Mr Jones said: "Unfortunately this year I wasn't able to get a place in the free draw, but I didn't want to be beaten, so I spoke to this particular charity a couple of months ago and they confirmed my place last week."

Mr Jones, a soldier based at Ambrosden, said he expected to be fit enough to complete the challenge.

But he said he would be putting in a lot of preparation after seeing how some people suffered last year.

Mr Jones said: "I thoroughly enjoyed it. The hardest thing was getting on the train, which was packed, but that was quickly followed by all the neighbours who had put up banners for when I got home."

To sponsor Mr Jones call 01869 322148.