Westfield resident and Somer AC runner, David Keogh, is set to take on the London Marathon next year for Dorothy House, in memory of his late wife, Sue, who was helped by the charity.

Writing on a JustGiving page set up for the Marathon, David said: “Dorothy House is a cause very close to my heart. They cared for Sue during the final months of her life, giving her peace and compassion when she needed it most. They also provided support for me when I was at my lowest ebb, enabling me to cope during a very traumatic time.

“I can honestly say that without their support, I wouldn’t be the normal, well-adjusted person (no laughing at the back!) I am today. They provide care that touches many, many people locally, including other friends and family who have received care since Sue passed away.

“I know that I have asked lots of times for support over the seven years of raising money for Dorothy House, but everything feels as if it has been leading up to this one. I’ve loved each of the challenges and I know Sue would have been proud of them all, but this is the one that would really have captured her imagination.

“Long before I considered running, she would be watching the race on TV, and she would have loved that I will be there, running for Dorothy House and for her Tulip Fund.”

Speaking to The Journal, David said: “We’ve raised just over £25,000 so far. The things that I’ve done are Walking Hadrian’s Wall in 2012, walking from Minehead to Westward Ho! in 2013, Dorothy House Santa run in 2014, Chippenham Half Marathon in 2015 and Manchester Marathon last year. We’ve had friends doing all sorts of things, too.”

To read more about David’s fundraising, visit: www.dorothyhouse.org.uk/about-dorothy-house/stories/davids-story/