Shropshire landlord in marathon charity bid

Neil Taylor, landlord of The Fox at Shipley, near Bridgnorth, is raising money for Birmingham Children's Hospital and Breast Cancer Now.

The 45-year-old chose the respective charities after his nine-year-old daughter Kiahna had five heart operations and his best friend Jason Guy's wife Lucy Smith sadly passed away earlier this year, aged 33, following a battle with breast cancer.

Neil will take on the challenge in the hope of achieving a £10,000 target to add to the incredible £70,000 that has already been raised.

He said: "I've done marathons before – last year we took part in the Paris Marathon before jumping on the bikes the next day and riding to London to do the marathon there next weekend.

"I can't just keep doing London and obviously I'm always looking at doing something bigger to help the cause so after one drunken night it ended up being the New York Marathon.

"To be honest my body is not built for running but the reasons for doing it just keep me going.

"They are two charities that are very close to my heart – my daughter wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for Birmingham Children's Hospital so the more we can raise the better. I'm looking forward to taking part."

Neil has been following a strict training regime over the past six months in preparation for the marathon which he will compete on November 1. He will be joined by friend Jason for moral support as the pair hope to embrace the culture of the Big Apple during their trip.

Next month he has organised a 20th anniversary Italia 90 evening with his good friend and Wolves legend Steve Bull as well as Peter Shilton and Des Walker.

To add to Neil's efforts donate at www.justgiving.com/teams/NeilTaylorNewYork