MARATHON man Steve Redford is back in the big time.

He captured the hearts of thousands as he pounded his way from Paris to Blackpool for Children in Need.

Now, eight years and a few aches and pains later, the man from Lightburne Avenue, Leigh is back burning-up the roads.

He's preparing for the London Marathon to raise funds for Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

Ex-rugby league player and father-of-two Steve hasn't been in marathon action for a while, having been plagued with injuries since his 1988 Two Towers grueller.

Left knee problems needed surgery and Steve had to limit his competitive urge to coaching youngsters at Leigh East ARLFC.

But with six months hard training under his belt Steve's raring to be off on his 37th marathon. Since 1981, when he ran the first Manchester marathon, he's finished another 35, plus countless half-marathons and up to 120 miles a week in training. Wife Kath can practically pour cups of tea for him on the run!

He's run so far it's no wonder he jokes:"When I started I was six feet six, now I'm five feet six."

But he winced when pal Mike Pyke got in touch.

"He talked me into running with him from Rugeley to Blackpool when he did Paris to Blackpool by wheelchair. I nearly killed myself trying to keep up!" recalled Steve.

"Now I'm looking forward to the London event and hope local people will give a lot of backing to support the Hospice."

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