A CHARITABLE Newquay man is running the London Marathon to benefit a cause close to his heart.

Lion Phil Bunt of Newquay Towan Blystra Lions is taking on the 26 mile challenge on April 27 in aid of Brain Tumour Research.

He has decided to raise money for the charity after his fellow Lion Kevin Towill was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Kevin, who is also a town councillor and the Cornwall councillor for Tretherras, is on the road to recovery after receiving extensive treatment.

Phil has set a fundraising target for his run at £3,500 and is already halfway there. He now needs further support from the community to reach his goal.

Phil said: "I have been running for a few years now and always wanted to do a marathon so agreeing to run for Brain Tumour Research seemed important because of a Lion in my club who has been affected by this issue himself.

“My friend, and fellow Towan Blystra Lion Kevin Towill, was diagnosed with a brain tumour and it was operated on a year ago.

“Kevin was only 44 at the time and an active member of the community being both a Cornwall and Newquay town councillor.

“He returned from hospital and nursing home care only a few weeks ago having encountered medical issues following the removal of the tumour and he is now back home and receiving care there.

“Despite Kevin still needing some assistance, he is well enough to continue his council duties and is planning to stand for election again in May.

“Kevin has kept a great sense of humour throughout all he’s been through and is inspirational in the way he has dealt with this.

“In November, he joined us for our Lions meeting by Zoom and is planning to continue helping others through our club and all the other links he has to the community through his connections and council duties.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation can visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/phil-bunt-1720185913694