One man is taking on more than 26 miles to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his mother's death.

Jamie Preston, 27, from Wanstead will be taking on his first full marathon in London on April 28.

He is fundraising for the British Heart Foundation in memory of his mother who passed away from a heart attack aged just 36.

Mr Preston, of Gordon Road, said: "I have never run a full marathon, but have run two half marathons: the Great North Run in 2013 and 2015.

"The British Heart Foundation was an important cause for me, especially on the twentieth anniversary of my mum's death because she died from a heart attack brought on by heart disease.

"I was only seven years old at the time.

"I have applied to run in the London Marathon every year for the last six years and have finally been offered a place.

"It means even more to me given that it is the twentieth anniversary of mum's passing."

Mr Preston, a business co-ordinator for a chartered surveyors, will also be holding a fundraising night at the Warren Wood pub in Buckhurst Hill on Saturday, April 6 as well as a quiz at the Redbridge Drama Centre in South Woodford on Friday, April 12.

To contribute or donate to the raffle or to Mr Preston's charitable endeavours, please visit:https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/jamie-preston-SAVMLMBONDS3332019-146670.