AN AMMANFORD man is set to join 38,000 other runners on the starting line of the London Marathon to raise money for Wales Air Ambulance.

Matt Yelland will be running the Virgin Money London Marathon to help keep the charity's helicopters flying across Wales.

The father of two will pound the pavements of the capital on April 24 to raise funds for the Welsh helicopter charity.

Matt has been collecting kind donations from family and friends to sponsor his run.

The Office and Account Manager will be running around the landmarks of London, including London Bridge and Canary Wharf, and will crossing the finish line by Buckingham Palace.

Matt took up running as a hobby two years ago and decided to take part in this year’s famous marathon. He set himself the 26.2 mile challenge and decided to race in aid of Wales Air Ambulance.

He aimed to raise £500 for Wales Air Ambulance, and has already raised almost treble his target.

Matt said: “I chose to run for WAA because of my family background. My auntie was a retained firefighter for 25 years and my dad still is a retained firefighter.

“I personally know from them how many people would have lost lives if Wales Air Ambulance had not been available.”

The 2016 Virgin Money London Marathon will be the first Marathon that Matt has raced in, and he decided to set himself the challenge to raise a lifesaving donation.

Mark Stephens, Wales Air Ambulance Fundraising Manager, said: “We would like to say a big thank you to Matt for choosing to support Wales Air Ambulance.

“We wish him the best of luck on the day! Without fundraisers and kind support, we wouldn’t be able to keep our helicopters flying across Wales.

“As a charity we rely on donations to fund our operations, and his donation will help us to save lives!”

If you would like to sponsor Matt, go to justgiving.com/Matt-Yelland