Father-of-four who once weighed 18.5st gears up to run London Marathon for Get Kids Going! charity

BREAKING a leg while sleepwalking has not put this runner off aiming for victory in this year's London Marathon.

Jamie Bunten, 43, of North Thoresby, is hoping for good luck – and he will match whatever amount he raises in sponsorship for Get Kids Going!, a charity which encourages children to get into sports.

The married father-of-four, who is the managing director of Scratch Match, in Grimsby, has an inspiring story to tell.

Not only did he weigh nearly 18.5 stone two years ago, he broke his leg by tripping over while sleepwalking, which ended his dreams of running the gruelling marathon in 2011.

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And last year, he damaged his hip while in training. He had physiotherapy for his leg and thankfully, his hip mended itself.

"I was gutted," he said. "I previously weighed 18.5 stone, and lost a lot of weight while training, but hurt myself twice.

"I want to be crossing the start line this April rather than watching the event!"

Jamie, who now weighs 14 stone, runs 30 miles every week. He wants to complete the 26 miles on Saturday, April 21, in under four hours, and is aiming to raise £2,500 – which he will double by matching it himself.

"I have four children, which is why I decided to raise money for a children's charity," he explained.

"I am getting in contact with my customers in the hope they will sponsor me.

"The run will be really hard work, but I'm sure I will enjoy it, looking at all the sights in London, and there will be a lot of support from my friends and family."

Support Jamie

To sponsor Jamie, make out a cheque payable to Get Kids Going! and write "Jamie Bunten" on the back, and post it to: Get Kids Going!, 10 King Charles Terrace, Sovereign Close, London, E1W 3HL. For more information about the charity, visit www.getkidsgoing.com

If you are running the marathon this year, get in touch with the Telegraph newsroom by calling 01472 372236 or by e-mailing newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk