A FATHER is taking part in a marathon as a thank you to a charity for supporting his son who has leukaemia. 

Ian Mooney, who lives in Chingford, “jumped at the chance” to participate in the London Landmarks Half Marathon on behalf of Haven House Children’s in Woodford Green.

Mr Mooney’s son Antony is currently undergoing treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

The 14-year-old has been able to meet mix with other children of a similar age going through similar treatment thanks to the hospice’s Teenage Cancer Group.

Mr Mooney, a black cab driver, has already raised more than £1,000 for the Woodford Green hospice and hopes to raise more as he runs past landmarks like the Bank of England and Houses of Parliament.

Mr Mooney says: “When the opportunity came to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon for Haven House I jumped at the chance.

"Not only could I take my running further, but it also means I can do something special for a charity that is so important to my family.

“Haven House holds a regular Teenage Cancer Group which Antony looks forward to. It means he can have fun and interact with his peers.

“Haven House also provides therapies for Antony like yoga, music therapy and physiotherapy. It’s been great for him.”

Katie Tyler, events manager at Haven House says: “We are delighted that Ian is taking on the London Landmarks Half Marathon for Haven House.

“Ian has already raised an incredible amount for our hospice and we are so grateful to him and all of our runners for signing up to our first #Team15 challenge run of the year.”

The race takes place on Sunday, March 25.