RUNNING a full marathon is no easy task but one man from Chippenham welcomed it with open arms in order to raise money for the St James' Place Foundation.

Berkley Square Private Clients financial advisor Matt Pentecost, who ran the Edinburgh marathon last month in five hours and 21 minutes, has raised just under £1,000 for his cause after deciding to run in memory of his dad, who passed away from cancer three years ago.

The 33-year-old chose to support St James' Place Foundation after meeting the head of the organisation at his work induction meeting where he found out that they support charities who work with children and young people with cancer and now he wants to thank everyone for his support.

He said: "I have been overwhelmed by the donations I have received and the support in preparation for the marathon. The training took its toll but the thrill of crossing the line made it all worth while.

"During our induction we met Mark Longbottom, head of the St. James's Place Foundation, who inspired me when I heard about the work they do."

Inspired by their newest member's achievement, Berkley Square Private Clients, who are based in the Market Place, are now looking at other things they can do to raise money for the foundation, including holding a Charity Ball early next year.

For more information or to donate to Matt's page visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/matthew-pentecost.