A PERTH man will be taking to the streets of London on Sunday to compete in the annual marathon in aid of a charity with which he has close ties.

Tony Jackson (27) will be running to raise money for the Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre (Perth and Kinross).

Tony nominated the charitable project, which provides support services for unpaid carers, as a result of a long-standing family relationship with the organisation.

His mother, Margaret Jackson, is the manager of the carers’ centre.

Tony is no stranger to marathons, having run his first in Edinburgh in 2006 where he finished 14th.

Later that year, he ran in the Oban half-marathon and took home the gold medal with a time of just one hour and 15 minutes.

He has always been a competitive sportsman, having been nominated captain of St Columba’s School, Perth, in 1997.

While there he achieved his Duke of Edinburgh gold award and has continued to run as a member of Perth Road Runners.

He said yesterday that he has been undertaking an average of 70 miles’ training per week in preparation for the popular London marathon.

“My wife Katrina keeps me going by cooking lots of pasta dishes, which provide the much-needed energy,” he said.

“I will have family and some friends travelling down to London to cheer me on, so I want to do my best, although it will depend on the weather conditions.

“However, if I can raise some money for the Princess Royal Trust Carers’ Centre in Perth and Kinross, I shall be delighted.

“I know through my mum’s involvement just how much fund-raising is required every year to support the service and it’s satisfying to be able to do my bit.”

If you would like to sponsor Tony, contact Margaret Jackson on 01738 567076.

The Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre (Perth and Kinross) is part of the local charity Perth and Kinross Association of Voluntary Service (PKAVS) and is based in the Gateway, North Methven Street, Perth.