Billy gets ready to run with Virgin's Branson

A TRAIN guard from Edinburgh who will run alongside Richard Branson in this year's London marathon is appealing for people to donate prizes to a race night to help raise funds for a children's cancer charity.

William Auld, 36, is one of 14 people picked by Virgin Trains to be part of the team which will run with the Virgin founder.

Mr Auld, who lives in Clermiston, said: "Virgin is sponsoring the marathon this year and I have got to raise a minimum of 2,000 for the charity Clic Sargent."

The race night, which will include a raffle and an auction, will take place at Maitland Bowling Club in Davidson's Mains on 2 April, with the marathon being held on 25 April.

Mr Auld, who works for Virgin Trains in Edinburgh, is also offering someone the chance to buy a return Virgin train voucher for four people – worth more than 1500 – to travel anywhere in Britain.

To contact him or to back the fundraising effort, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/billyauld