A dedicated volunteer is going the extra mile for Hounslow Samaritans by running the London Marathon.

Simon Bird ran his first London Marathon last year, and at the time vowed “never again”.

But, unable to resist the challenge, he is gearing up for the next event on April 26, and aims to raise £4,000 for Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow Samaritans.

The determined 37-year-old, who has been a Samaritans volunteer for 16 months and lives with his partner in Shepherd’s Bush, continued his training during a recent trip to South Africa, part of his work as programme director for a health charity.

He said: “I’ve been a listening volunteer with the Samaritans since late 2007.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding and just really grounding.

“It definitely gives you a real sense of perspective on the world. Last year I swore I’d never run another marathon, but I entered the ballot, and here I am.

“Because I got my place in the ballot I could choose which charity to support.

“It’s great to know the money will be going to my branch of the Samaritans, especially as we’re currently trying to raise £60,000 to improve facilities.”

Simon ran the course in four hours and 24 minutes last year and is aiming for under four hours this time.

He said: “The training has been tough. Perversely I enjoy it and hate it at the same time.

“It really gets in the way of your social life and you become a running bore sometimes.”