ILKLEY man Geoff Howard is pulling on his running shoes for this weekend's London Marathon... at the age of 80.

Geoff, who is a leap year baby who hit the milestone birthday on February 29th, technically making him only 20 years old, will be one of the oldest to take part in the annual event.

He's doing it to raise funds for his hometown's inclusive community café Outside the Box, where Geoff is a regular customer.

Geoff said: “During my visits to Outside the Box, it is so impressive to see the support and training provided for members. I enjoy seeing them gaining skills, confidence and independence to then later meeting some also working in local businesses.

"I also very much admire the work and dedication of OTB’s marvellous staff and volunteers. I very much appreciate their friendly, welcoming approach to customers."

A seasoned fell and endurance runner, Geoff decided to ease off on his sport once he hit retirement age 15 years ago, thinking he was getting too old for it.

But inspired by older people who were still running, and with the support of organisations such as Ilkley U3A and Ilkley Harriers, as well as friends and family, he decided not to hang up his running shoes after all.

Amy Day, marketing and communications officer of the local charity that runs Outside the Box, said: “We are so very appreciative of Geoff’s incredible offer to run the London Marathon in support of Outside the Box.

"He is a real inspiration and we are thrilled and very grateful with the support and donations made so far. The money raised will help us to do more to improve the opportunities and lives of people with a learning disability and/or autism.

"A huge thank you to Geoff from everyone at OTB, we will be cheering him on and of course there will be some delicious coffee and cake at the café to help him re-energise on his return to Ilkley!”

It’s been 40 years since Geoff last did a fundraising London Marathon. Back in 1984, to make sure he got an entry to the third London Marathon, Geoff had to queue overnight along with thousands of other hopefuls to post an entry in one of only a few specially designated post boxes.

Securing a place for this year’s run has been a different but equally challenging experience. Geoff had to complete a timed event running eight times round Kempton Park Race Course on a very hot day last May.

Geoff is dedicating his run to the memory of Peter Shields, an exceptional friend, coach and inspiration who committed his life to helping Ilkley runners and many others.

To support Geoff visit his fundraising page www.justgiving.com/campaign/geoffrunsforotb