A man is running the London Marathon in memory of his dad who was cared for by a hospice in the borough.

David Holdstock, 54, from Rickmansworth, is running in the London Marathon on April 28 to raise money for the Margaret Centre at Whipps Cross Hospital in memory of his father who was cared for by the hospice.

His father, who passed away in 2017, had been a Waltham Forest resident since the early 1960's.

The family still have close to connections to the area, Mr Holdstock having lived in Walthamstow for the first 35 years of his life and with family who still live in neighbouring Chingford to this day.

This year's big race will be Mr Holdstock's first marathon.

He will be spending Saturday, April 6, working at Hob Hair Salons in Rickmansworth as a junior to help raise funds for charity.

Mr Holdstock said: "I am running the London Marathon in my dad’s memory to raise money for the amazing nurses, doctors and support staff who provided such wonderful care to my dad and support to our family.

"I would like to thank all the team at Hob Hair Salon in Rickmansworth for supporting me."

Manager of Hob Salons in Rickmansworth Natasha Knight said: "Hob Salons is delighted to be supporting David, one of our regular clients, to help raise funds for this amazing cause.

"We’ll certainly work him hard during his time with us."

The Margaret Centre at Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone is part of Barts NHS Health Trust and provides specialist palliative care for people affected by life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, neurological conditions and end stage heart or lung conditions.

To donate to the cause, please visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DavidHoldstock.