Accountant Andy Coombes is on track to raise more than £1,500 for our Give Us A Chance Appeal when he takes part in the London Marathon on Sunday.

Mr Coombes, 41, who works for David Owen Accountants, did a 22-mile run in training ten days ago and was pleased with how it went.

He said: “I would like to thank everyone who has sponsored me. I think it is amazing the Gazette has raised more than £10,000 so quickly but I know the fundraising has to go on as the shortfall every year is much more than that.”

Slimmers in Devizes are also doing their bit to help the centre by being sponsored for every pound they lose at Slimming World clubs in the town.

They will face their weigh-in this week but leader Kim Heath is delighted with the results so far.

She said: “The weight loss has been very good and we are very pleased to be helping the opportunity centre, which is close to the hearts of lots of our members.”

Sponsor Mr Coombes via virginmoneygiving.com/AndrewCoombesLondon2014