Marathon challenge for Jonny and Nick

Jonny Hecht, (42), from Giffnock, and Nick Leckerman, (43) from Newton Mearns, are taking part in the race in honour of Jonny’s father George, who passed away almost three years ago.

George had lived with kidney failure for a number of years and sadly died the week he was due to start dialysis.

Jonny said: “Dad was a real inspiration to both of us. He was heavily involved in charities for most of his life and we are keen to carry on in his footsteps and would love to support others who are faced with similar situations to what we went through as a family.

“He always encouraged me to work hard, help others less fortunate and generally be a good all-round person and Nick and I feel that taking on a challenge like the London Marathon honours those values that were so important to him. We are proud to do our bit for a fantastic charity like Kidney Care UK.”

Kidney Care UK provides emotional, practical and financial support for kidney patients across the UK.

The charity helps more than 100 patients weekly and invests over £2 million every year to support kidney patients and their families.

Robert Hope, head of fundraising, added: “As a charity we receive no government funding so we rely on the kind generosity of supporters like Jonny and Nick. It’s an honour to know that they want to take on such a challenge in memory of George, and we’ll be there supporting them every single step of the way.”

You can sponsor Jonny and Nick at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jonnyandnickdolondon.