Mark determined to cross the line

He is so determined to get his medal he has dusted himself off and repeated the gruelling training schedule ready for this year’s event on April 22.

Mark, 43, from Montgomery, now believes he has learnt enough since his first ill-fated marathon attempt to complete the course this time.

A father to Flynn, 9, and Lyra, seven, is running in aid of the children’s charity Barnardo’s Cymru.

He says he remembers little about the end to his marathon in 2017.

“My wife Lucy had waved me on at 24.5 miles but at 25 miles I collapsed. I knew nothing about it until I woke up in the medical tent. Since then I’ve learnt how to keep myself cool and this year I’ll be making sure I pour a lot of water over myself while I’m on the course.

“It has been quite tough getting back into training, but despite the way my first marathon ended it was still a wonderful experience. I think the runners get through the first half on euphoria alone. The support from complete strangers in the crowd shouting your name and willing you on is amazing.

“I wanted to run for Barnardo’s because I’ve always been a keen supporter of children’s charities. I always felt loved and safe as a child but there are many children who don’t. I organised a sponsored walk for the NSPCC when I was nine, at 15 I crawled seven miles in scuba gear for Children in Need and Lucy and I have supported SOS Children’s Villages since our wedding.”

Mark, who works in the insurance industry, divides his training between the countryside surrounding his home and the streets of London. His preparation has been affected by snow and a chest infection but he is determined to make it across the finishing line this time.

“I’ve had wonderful support from my family while I’ve been training and I’m really looking forward to a great day,” he said.

You can support Mark at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MarkSwallow3.