A KIND-HEARTED finance manager from Newbury has received a generous £1,000 donation to boost his fundraising pot for Muscular Dystrophy UK as he prepares to run the London Marathon this year.

Liam Lynch, who works for Newbury-based Lloyd Davenport Ltd, was inspired by the fundraising efforts of his director to help the charity find a cure for the muscle-wasting disease.

Liam, 30, hopes to raise £1,750 by running the 26.2mile marathon in April and has now been given a cash boost by Persimmon Homes North London through its Community Champions scheme.

Every month, the housebuilder donates up to £1,000 each to two groups or individuals through the match-funded scheme.

Liam said: “My director has a son who was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy in 2015.

"His family have since turned to fundraising efforts to help find a cure.

"I felt inspired by their bravery in such a situation and felt I wanted raise as much money as I could."

Liam has already competed in football tournaments and completed a Tough Mudder in 2017, but has now set himself a new challenge.

He added: "I am only just beginning to raise money for the marathon, and this donation will help scientists continue their research to find a cure for this life-limiting disease.

"Completing the London Marathon will most likely leave me in pain, and in need of a good massage, however, my pain will only be temporary, whereas my director’s son and others will continue to be in pain."

Damian Seddon, director-in-charge at Persimmon Homes North London, said: "Liam’s determination to help raise money in support of Muscular Dystrophy sufferers is truly admirable, and we are delighted to be in a position to support him.

"If people were unsuccessful in their Community Champions application, we urge them to visit the Persimmon Homes website and to try again this year and hopefully they will become our next recipient."

To find out about the terms and conditions people can visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity.