A man from Peebles has been invited to run the London Marathon for Princess Alice Hospice despite only beginning to run last year.

Billy Dunn, who started running last year to improve his fitness and mental health, is now set to take on the 26.2-mile challenge in April 2025.

Mr Dunn said: "Last year I started running not only as a way of attempting to regain some form of fitness but also for the benefits towards mental health which is something I had not initially anticipated.

"I ran the London Half Marathon earlier this year for Princess Alice Hospice which was an incredible experience and I have now been fortunate enough to be invited to run the full London Marathon next year on 27 April 2025.

"I have always said I wanted to run a marathon before the age of 40 so what a better way to celebrate hitting another decade."

He also said that the hospice has been an "incredibly special and generous place" for his family over the years and he is determined to raise as much money as possible for them.

He has started fundraising and is encouraging people to donate via his JustGiving page.

He said: "I will be running to help raise more funds for Princess Alice Hospice.

"The hospice has been a very special place over the years for some of our family members who are sadly no longer with us.

"They helped care for my Auntie Emma who sadly passed away in February 2023 and provided an incredible service and care for her.

"The hospice has also looked after my Uncle Geoffrey, my Nanny Pamela and my Grandad Geoff so the charity have been there for our family for a number of years."

Mr Dunn also expressed his gratitude for the support he has received so far and said he looks forward to seeing as many people as possible along the marathon route.

He concluded: "The help and service they provide costs £10 million a year so I am looking forward to raising as much as possible for them.

"I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on the route.

"If not, there will be a pub garden booked for somewhere afterwards where we can enjoy several celebratory drinks.

"Thank you so much for all the support."