A MAN who has never lost his love of athletics, despite having suffered a serious illness, is training to run the London Marathon for charity - at the age of 68.

Vincent O'Rourke , a former captain of Clayton Harriers athletics club, had a kidney and heart failure and a collapsed lung 14 years ago.

Now he is gearing up to raise money for research into kidney disease when he runs the London Marathon on April 18.

Father-of-three Vincent, of Queen's Drive, Oswaldtwistle, spent two weeks in intensive care at Blackburn Royal Infirmary and says it took him more than 10 years to regain full fitness.

Although unable to run, Vincent kept on paying his subscription to Accrington Roadrunners, determined to keep his athletics dream alive.

He now trains in the gym at Hyndburn Sports Centre three times a week, does two runs each week and goes for a long run or race most weekends. Last week he completed a 10-mile race at St Annes.

Last year his plans to run the London Marathon were dashed when he collapsed two months before the event. But he said the setback only served to increase his determination.

Vincent said: "People say that because I'm getting on for 70, I should sit back in my chair and watch the marathon with a glass of whisky. But I'm not into that yet. I'm not old enough!

"It was a shock when I had to give up running, but I've persevered. I know the value of health now, that's why I'm doing it for kidney research.

"I've been doing runs of up to 30 miles, part walking and part running, so I know I can make it round. I'm planning to run it all but if I can't make it, then I know I can walk."

His wife Doreen teases him that he's "a mad old fool" but Vincent knows she is right behind him.

He has raised £100 since he started collecting sponsors last week and is looking for local people and businesses to back his effort.

Clayton-le-Moors florists Open All Flowers will cover the cost of his London trip.

Donations can be sent to Vincent O'Rourke Marathon Appeal, TSB Bank, Union Road, Oswaldtwistle. Alternatively write to Vincent at 19, Queens Drive, Oswaldtwistle.

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