A MAN from Stockton Heath will be taking on the London Marathon this year, despite his battle with arthritis.

Si Barnard, who grew up in Stockton Heath and now lives near Appleton, was diagnosed with axial spondylitis - a form of arthritis - on his 40th birthday.

The Appleton resident says he suffered throughout his 30s with chronic joint pain and now takes daily injections to keep his condition under control.

Warrington Guardian: Si will be running the marathon on October 2Si will be running the marathon on October 2 (Image: Si Barnard)

Si will be running the gruelling 26.2 miles in London at the beginning of October and is using the event to fundraise for Versus Arthritis, a charity that raises awareness of various arthritic conditions.

Axial spondylitis is a form of arthritis that causes severe pains through the spine and pelvis - and up until recently, it would have meant that Si would not be able to undertake the challenge of the London Marathon.

With his injections, Si is able to manage his condition and exercise every day, which encouraged him to sign up for the marathon and raise money for Venus Arthritis.

Having completed the Warrington half-marathon this year, he is now tackling the full marathon in London, on October 2.

Si said: "In previous years I think the London marathon has fallen in April but changes caused by Covid mean this year is in October.

"This means my training has been right through the summer. When I get out a try to discover new routes off the beaten track.

"This has taken me through parts of Hatton, Antrobus, Daresbury and Arley I’d never been before. Some of the views are incredible."

When asked what the most difficult aspect of marathon training is, Si said that the distance itself is not to be sniffed at.

He said: "26 miles is a long way.

"I’ve ramped up my training in recent weeks from 10 miles to 15 and 18-mile runs and I’m hoping to get one 20-mile run in before the big day.

"I’m finding the training really challenging but I’m trying to power through with some good indie playlists and a stash of Jelly Babies."

Si is also the frontman of a local band - The Belvederes - and they will be playing a charity gig for Versus Arthritis on November 18 at Warrington Sports Club.

If you would like to donate to Si's fundraiser, he has already raised more than £700, and you can do so via his JustGiving page.