A Llanelltyd pensioner is training to take part in his 14th London Marathon.

Tony Hodgson, who is a member of Meirionnydd Running Club, has been taking part in marathons since he was 22 but this will be his first one since turning 70.

In this year’s marathon, Tony is raising money for Multiple Sclerosis Trust, to combat a disease which he feels suffers from “prejudice”.

Speaking to Cambrian News, Tony said: “There can be a lot of prejudice against the disease. A guy I met on a charity bike ride walked very badly and he said he gets loads of abuse for how he walks.

“He was such a nice guy and he kept insisting that he didn’t have the disease bad.”

He added: “Three of my friends have the disease one is very inspiring. She’s very troubled by the disease, some days it’s very hard for her to get around.

“The trust does a lot of training for nurses and shares information on the disease.”

Tony also said how his performance as a marathon runner improved when he was able to dedicate himself to training.

He said: “When I was in my 50s I started to train properly. I actually became quicker than I was in my 20s.

“I joined a running club in Tywyn in 2000, I helped to set up Meirionnydd running club in Dolgellau in 2006. This club has around 80 to 100 members.”

He added: “It’s difficult to get into the London Marathon. Around 450,000 people apply for 40,000 places.

“Running clubs have a certain number of places depending on how many members they have. We just get the one place. Everyone put their names in a hat and mine was drawn out.

“You can apply on the ballot in April. There are a few days after the marathon finishes to sign up for the following year. Another way of getting in is through running for a charity.”

Meirionnydd Running Club will also be represented in the elite race by Marisha De la Rouviere who is originally from South Africa but now lives in the Mawddach Valley.

To donate to Tony’s fundraising effort, visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TonyHodgsonmarathons