AFTER nearly losing his 11-year-old son to a brain illness, Owen Margetts is taking on the challenge of running the London Marathon to raise money for the Brain and Spine Foundation.

Mr Margetts, 40, of Frome Road, Trowbridge, has been busy training for the event on April 23 and is hoping to raise at least £1,000 for the charity. His son Alistair was on holiday in Spain when he became ill with meningitis. He was treated in the country but when he returned he developed brain cysts and needed emergency surgery.

Mr Margetts said: "Alistair was on holiday with his mum when the call came to say he was in hospital. He was treated very well in Spain but then after being home for a week he developed the cysts. "He was admitted to Royal United Hospital, Bath, and was then transferred to Frenchay Hospital, Bristol and had to have three major operations.

"Luckily we didn't live further away from the hospital or we'd probably have lost him. After the operation Alistair was left unconscious for a week in a critical condition. "As I sat in the waiting room I read an article in the Sunday Telegraph about helping adults and children with brain injuries.

"We didn't have to go to the Brain and Spine Foundation for help in the end but the article made me think how lucky we were and reminded me there are people a lot worse off than us."

He discovered the Telegraph was sponsoring a team to run the London Marathon and decided to apply for a place in the team.

After winning a place he attended a training camp and ran the Bath Half Marathon last month, in aid of the Forever Friends Appeal, to help prepare for the big race.

"Unfortunately I've developed a problem with my knee so I've only been able to do gentle training but I'm determined to complete the marathon even if I've got to crawl," he said.

Mr Margetts said Alistair was now well on his way to recovery although parts of his skull still had to be joined back together.

In a bid to raise more money for the charity Mr Margetts has also kidnapped a giant bear from the Anchor and Hope pub. He is collecting ransom money for the charity before he will return it.

The Brain and Spine Foundation was set up in 1992 to offer information, advice and support for people suffering from brain or spine disorders. To sponsor Mr Margetts visit www.justgiving.com /owenmargetts

  • Steve Jackson is hoping to knock 26 minutes off his time when he runs this year's London Marathon for the Rainbow Centre.

Mr Jackson, 30, from Westbury is hoping to raise £1,500 for the charity, which helps children with cerebral palsy and other motor impairments.

To sponsor Mr Jackson contact the centre on (01985) 212946 or visit his website at www.justgiving.com/stevejackson2006