MARATHON man Chris Green is taking on one of the world’s most famous 26-milers in memory of a much-loved former member of Holmes Chapel Hurricanes FC.

Chris, 49, from Holmes Chapel, is taking part in the London Marathon on Sunday, April 22.

His inspiration for taking part is Scott Penlington, from Holmes Chapel, who died at the age of 25 in a light aircraft crash in September 2016.

Scott was a former member of Holmes Chapel Hurricanes FC, and the foundation formed in his memory by the club aims to promote the development of footballing opportunities for more children, as Scott’s legacy.

Scott represented the Hurricanes at all junior age groups and progressed to the open age team, and embodied the club’s values and aspirations.

The foundation has raised more than £15,000 to equip all 21 teams with a defibrillator, and has its sights set in the longer-term on having its own Hurricanes home ground in Holmes Chapel.

Chris and Scott’s dad Graham are good friends, having met through the Hurricanes.

Chris secured a place at the London Marathon, not needing to raise money for any charity, so decided to run to raise funds for the Scott Penlington Foundation.

He said: “There are so many worthy causes to raise money for, but I wanted to help the community and remind people to remember Scott and all those people who we have loved and lost.

“It will definitely be an emotional experience for me, and one that I’m looking forward to and imagine I’ll never forget.

“My aim is to raise awareness of the Foundation and to help to contribute in any way to the existing funds.”

Chris is in training for his marathon challenge - going to the gym four to five times a week running and training, running on the roads once a week and hiking about 10 miles once a week.

He is inviting donations on the Scott Penlington JustGiving page - justgiving.com/crowdfunding/scottpenlingtonfoundation?utm_id=1&utm_term=w5b5X2R5Q

People can also donate directly to the Scott Penlington Foundation - account 20/51/08; number 10002836.

Chris thanked everyone for their support, in particular Graham and Pam Penlington and Simon Lincoln.