Bourne runner Tom Bellis, who runs the Sugar Mill pub, to run the London Marathon for Contact charity
Charity runner Tom Bellis is getting his London Marathon training plans back on track after breaking toes in a freak accident at home.
Tom, who runs the Sugar Mill pub in Bourne, has a charity place to run at the world-famous event for Contact.
Training for a marathon can take several months, but Tom has had to cram his preparation into just seven weeks.
"I literally started my training last week after getting over an injury," he explained.
"I managed to break three toes getting out the shower. Who does that?"
Having spent many trips watching his dad complete the London Marathon, toeing the start line on April 23 will be the culmination of a long-held ambition for Tom.
"It's been on my bucket list for many years," he said.
"I applied for London 12 times, but never got in on the ballot, and then a friend suggested running for a charity."
His efforts have been inspired by family friend Lisa Jackman and her daughter Savanna.
During lockdown, Tom and staff from the pub helped build the family a summer house with hot tub so Savanna could use it for year-round therapy.
"She has many health issues, but she is a smiley and very special little girl," said Tom.
"Lisa is my hero. Her life not only revolves around caring for this amazing little girl and her eldest, but she also works as an occupational therapist."
Lisa also hosts Bourne to Shine coffee mornings at the Sugar Mill, a support group for parents and carers, and put Tom in touch with Contact, a charity for families with disabled children.
Tom has set up a Justgiving page - click here - and put donation buckets in the pub to meet his £1,400 fundraising target.
He is hosting quiz fundraisers at the Sugar Mill and has pledged to take the plunge for an icebath challenge.
"We're running a sweepstake of how long I'll manage to stay in it," said Tom.
"It's all a chance for all the staff to get their own back!"
He has completed the Great North Run in the past, but running took a back seat after the birth of his two children.
But he hopes London's famed atmosphere will help get him round to the finish line on The Mall.
"Every time I have gone down to watch family or friends the support is non-stop," he added.
"And the kids are going to meet me at the finish line so I have to make it to the finish!"