AN ex-Army veteran from Latchford is ticking off another item on his bucket list by taking part in this weekend's London Marathon.

As part of his 'to-do list', runner Tony Booth will be tackling the 26 mile marathon on Sunday, for Asthma UK, a charity that funds research and supports people suffering with the condition, after he was diagnosed at aged 19.

The 50-year-old, originally from Great Sankey, said: "I've had asthma since I was 19, while in the Army I had to hide the fact that I had it, otherwise I would have been medically discharged.

"I would hide my inhaler in my pocket but it became acceptable to be a serving soldier with asthma in 1999, so I no longer had to hide it.

"Those that know me, know that I did pretty well at boxing and running while in the Army and although the asthma didn't stop me from competing, I couldn't have done it without my inhaler."

Tony left the Army 10 years ago, and has since become a lorry driver for Jaguar UK.

After turning 50, and the death of his dad last year, he said he wanted to start doing the things he had 'always wanted' – including running his first marathon.

In preparation for The Virgin Money London Marathon, Tony has been running 10k four times a week, and has recently completed a 25k race.

In April next year, Tony will also travel to Nepal to begin climbing Mount Everest, another challenge he has set himself.

He said: "Everest is a personal thing, I want to start ticking things off my bucket list and get everything done."

Donations to Tony's London Marathon fundraiser can be made at justgiving.com