A TEACHER is getting ready to lace up his trainers as he takes part in the London Marathon to raise money in memory of his father-in-law.

Mark Langley, director of sport at Terrington Hall School, is in full flow with his training for the 26.2-mile race, which takes place on Sunday, April 13.

The 39-year-old father-of-two will be running in memory of his father-in-law, Colin Barrass, who died of lung disease in December 2011.

“I’m aiming to raise £1,750 for the British Lung Foundation. So far, thanks to the generosity of family, friends and work colleagues, I’ve already raised more than £500, but now the fundraising starts in earnest,” said Mark.

The teacher recently completed his second 5k training run in preparation, the Edinburgh BUPA Great Winter Run, which he ran in 25 minutes and 35 seconds.

Mark has also inspired his eight-year-old daughter, Emily, to try running. She took part in the BUPA Junior Great Winter Run clocking up an impressive 2.5k in just 13 minutes and 24 seconds as her father ran alongside her.

“Conditions were cold and icy in Edinburgh. We weren’t able to run on the roads, only the grass which was very muddy – but once again the atmosphere was amazing,” said Mark.

“Emily had seen the children taking part in the fun run in Newcastle and asked to take part in Edinburgh’s.”

Although the London Marathon will be Mark’s first, he did have a place in last year’s first-ever Yorkshire Plusnet marathon, but had to pull out at the last minute due to illness.

But Mark said that it has made him even determined to try to complete the marathon in an impressive time of less than four hours.

“I was really disappointed to have to pull out the week before the York marathon, but it made me even more determined to get into the London marathon,” he said.

“It just goes to show that there’s always time to take up something new. The key is having the motivation to put in the hours training. My personal challenge is to complete the London Marathon in under four hours. It’s all getting rather close now. I have the Adidas Silverstone half marathon in March and then it’s the real thing.”

To sponsor Mark visit www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MarkLangley39