Trowbridge garage co-owner Steve Cade is running the London Marathon for the first time to raise funds for the Rainbow Trust to say thanks for the support it has given a family member.

Mr Cade, who runs DMC Auto Engineers with Steve Milsom, will be taking part in the 26 mile charity challenge, on April 13, in aid of the charity, which supports terminally-ill children, because of the help it gave to 14-year-old Emily White, a cousin of his wife Emma.

The teenager, who lives in Melksham, has neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation and the trust runs days out for her and advises the family on her condition.

The father of two, who has never run a marathon, is currently training hard and hopes his friends, family and customers will donate to his endurance effort.

Mr Cade, 35, who has previously run the Bath Half Marathon, said: “I’m really pleased to do this for the Rainbow Trust as they are great for Emily and the family.

“I haven’t got a fundraising target, but I’d like to get them as much money as possible. The same applies to finishing the marathon, I just want to get to the end and I don’t mind what time I do it in.

“This is the first time I have applied to take part and I was told it usually takes a couple of years to get on so I was a bit surprised to find out I was doing it this year.

“But I enjoy running and I’m training hard. I’ve had lots of support from my wife and two children Harry and Evie.”

DMC’s customers have been getting leaflets about the Rainbow Trust’s work and a link to Mr Cade’s fundraising web page with every invoice the company gives out.

The Avon Valley Run-ners member said: “I’ve received some donations from customers and the good thing is that even if they don’t give money I’m still helping to raise the trust’s profile.”

To donate visit www. justgiving.com/steve-cade2.