AN Ealing man has been training to run a marathon next month and is raising money for the Southall Food Distribution Hub.

Matt Redman started volunteering at the Southall Food Distribution Hub last April, delivering food packages to those in need.

At the onset of the first lockdown last year, he lost his job in the film industry and was unsure how to use all his free time, so he decided to volunteer.

He told Nub News: "I found out about the food hub through some mates and I decided to check it out.

"It was my first time doing any sort of volunteering and I really enjoyed it, I found it very rewarding."

Matt, who is originally from High Wycombe, moved to Southall two years ago and decided to take up running during the start of the first lockdown last spring.

He said: "First time I did it, I absolutely loved it, despite not expecting to."

He started running regularly, a few times per week and would set himself challenges of running longer distances, like five or ten kilometres.

Eventually in September he ran a half marathon for the first time and really enjoyed the 'peace while on the run and the feeling you have once you finish.'

When the new year started, he decided to set himself a new challenge to run a marathon but also raise money for a good cause.

"I thought, 'who better to fundraise for than the food hub', which makes a real impact in the community, people are very grateful to receive the food packages," he added.

He set a goal of £1,000 for his fundraiser and has nearly reached this target in less than a month, with £930 being donated so far at the time of writing.

"I'm so pleased the fundraiser has been doing so well, I'm excited by everyone's enthusiasm, they've been so supportive.

"I plan to keep the fundraiser going until April 24, which is the date I plan on running the marathon.

"If donations surpass my original goal, that's fantastic, the more money raised, the better."

The Southall Food Distribution Hub is part of the Young Ealing Foundation and they're always looking for more volunteers.

If you're interested in volunteering a few hours of your week, then please email Ben at [email protected].