A man who was movingly ‘reunited’ with his late father during last year’s London Marathon has been inspired by the experience to run again.

Steve Ross, of Poplar Close, Epsom Downs, is in training for the famous event, on April 13, to raise money a second time for leading children’s charity The Children’s Trust, based in Tadworth.

During last year’s event, the 42-year-old was reminded of his late father who passed away when Mr Ross was just 14.  The experience has not only spurred him to complete the run with vigour but to take part again.

He said: "As I approached the final mile, one of my fellow runners turned to me and noticing my name on my shirt said, ‘Steve, I’m running for The Children’s Trust too.  I’m suffering - the wheels have totally come off.  Can we finish this together?’ So for the last mile we ran side by side.

"At that point the crowd seeing both our names on our vests started shouting Come on Steve and Stuart’. 

"This threw me as I hadn’t until that point noticed my fellow runners name on his vest too.  Stuart had been my Dad’s name.

"Whether it was a mixture of exhaustion coupled by exhilaration the overwhelming feeling was one of sharing a very special moment.

"As we passed the finishing line we high fived each other. 

"Two middle-aged men had just run their race.  And inside me a 14-year-boy had just shared a very special moment with a long gone Dad."

Mr Ross hopes to complete the marathon in less than four hours and is encouraging people to come and support The Children’s Trust team.

To sponsor Mr Ross click here.