At the age of 76, running the London Marathon for most pensioners is not their daily focus.

But for Bob Hayler, he’s lacing up his trainers and training hard for this year’s 26.2-mile event on Sunday, April 24.

Bob, who started running in 1985 at the age of 45, has completed 136 marathons and has run 20,000 miles whilst ‘training’ and 8,000 miles whilst racing totalling 1.25 times around the equator!

Said Bob: “In 1984, I was watching the London Marathon and thought ‘I could have a go at that.’ After completing my first marathon in 1985 at Gloucester, I succeeded gaining an entry in the London Marathon in April 1986 (my second marathon). This year will be my 11th in London.”

Bob’s running has also taken him abroad.

“I have run in Europe, USA, Canada, North Africa, and the Islands of Malta, Cyprus, Jersey and the Isle of Man,” but he adds: “My top two marathon locations are London - it’s the atmosphere and Snowdonia in North Wales - which leaves one with a real sense of achievement on finishing, and, the scenery is stunning whatever the weather.”

Bob is running the London Marathon for the HOPE MS Therapy Centre, Neyland, and Shalom House, St. Davids.

But why did Bob choose these two charities?

Well, his sister-in-law and her husband, Liz and Ken Brombley, of Sageston, have been heavily involved in HOPE for many years, with Ken the current chairman and Liz an active fundraiser.

Bob continued: “I was sponsored on my first London Marathon for an MS Day Care and Respite Centre in Oxford (Ritchie Russell House) and it is so appropriate that I should run for HOPE MS and Shalom House on what, it seems, may well be my last London Marathon.

“My first wife had MS (she passed away with cancer in 1999) and was a regular at Ritchie Russell House. A number of ‘Hopers’ have stayed at Shalom House, St. Davids, and I am aware they have had to reduce their services due to high running costs. From the time of going to print (week beginning April 11), I would like all monies collected to be shared equally between HOPE MS and Shalom and I am sure all monies raised will be a Godsend to these two worthwhile charities.”

Bob’s race number on the day is 27,568 and he will start from the ‘celebrities’ start point as he is classified as a ‘Good for Age.’

Last year, Bob, of Pewsey, Wiltshire, ran a marathon in under five hours hence his qualification for the race.

But he admits: “It is getting harder each time now so takes me nearer five-and-a-half hours to finish. Watch out for me, I will be wearing a white t-shirt with BOB 4 Pembs MS on the back.”

Anyone who would like to sponsor Bob can do so online. Search for Virgin Money Giving, click on the make a donation page and sponsor your friend, then type in Kenneth Brombley (HOPE chairman). Clicking the blue arrows will bring you to Robert Hayler and supporters fundraising. Click on Robert’s name for his information and/or click the donate now tab and donate. Thank you very much.

Footnote: Don’t miss HOPE’s next 30th anniversary celebration concert at The Torch Theatre on Saturday, April 23, 7.30 pm, with The Seren Irish Dancers, Greenhill Jazz Band and Haverfordwest’s very own fabulous Aaron Pryce-Lewis and Elinor Crane. Tickets available from The Torch Theatre, HOPE MS on 01646 600384 or Margaret on 01646 600544 and The New Overlander Restaurant, Penally, on (01834) 842868. Not to be missed!