A NAVY veteran is running London Marathon for military charity, and had vowed to dye his hair blue beforehand if he reaches his target.

Ashley Rutland, a Royal Navy Gulf War veteran from St Helens, Merseyside, is running the London Marathon in April to help support SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

He has promised that, if he reaches his fundraising total of £2,500, he will dye his hair blue before the race.

Ashley is no beginner to running, having already run five marathons, but his last one was 15 years ago.

Ashley said: "I hadn't run in years but last year I did the Couch to 10k, then, the week after, twisted my ankle. So I only started running again at Christmas."

Not to be put off, Ashley is up and running, and on target to complete the London Marathon on April 21.

Ashley has a special reason for wanting to support SSAFA.

He said: “Six years ago, when I was getting divorced, I was finding it really difficult to cope. I suffered with depression and anxiety. I felt like my whole world was falling apart.

“A SSAFA volunteer helped me at that point and I am so grateful. Now I want to give something back.

“I always try to make my run more enjoyable by ending it at my local pub. It gives you something to aim for and they are always so supportive.”

Donate directly to Ashley’s fundraising page via 2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/ashley-rutland