A YORK man is making a marathon effort for charity - at the age of 48.

Don Derrett, district officer for Mencap, will be running his first Flora London marathon next month to raise vital funds for the charity.

Don has been working with Mencap in York for the last ten years and is raising funds for specific York-based projects. One of these is a Family Adviser Service, providing information and advice to people with a learning disability, their families and carers.

There are also two Gateway leisure clubs, one for younger people with a learning disability and another for adults with a learning disability.

For many years Mencap workers have raised funds to support these services throughout North Yorkshire providing support and services to people with learning disabilities, their families and carers.

Don welcomes any donations, and is offering an incentive to all sponsors by entering them into a draw to win £250 of vouchers for a mini-break in the United Kingdom or Europe.

Don said: "This is my chance to give something back. I just want to do my best for them. I have been told it is the best marathon in the world, so I am really looking forward to it."

Don is now looking for sponsors. He said: "I am trying to get through to people who wouldn't normally sign a sponsorship form, so would love people to check out the website and donate directly."

For more details email Don at don.derrett@mencap.org.uk

Updated: 10:32 Wednesday, March 05, 2003