A SWIMMING instructor from Malvern Splash will be tackling a challenge on dry land when he takes part in the Virgin London Marathon on Sunday.

James Price, aged 30, is fund-raising money for the charity Arcos, which is based a stone’s throw from the Splash in Avenue Road.

The money he raises will go towards the charity’s work of improving life for people with communication or swallowing problems caused by conditions ranging from cerebral palsy to head injury, stroke and motor neurone disease.

Mr Price, the swimming lesson manager at the pool, who is also responsible for training the lifeguard team, said: “I think I’m pretty fit, although I’ve never run a marathon before.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge. When I’ve reached that 20-mile mark, I’m sure the crowd will be helping me get over it.”

He said he was introduced to the work of Arcos by a colleague.

“Until I met Arcos, I did not realise how many people are unable to communicate by speech and need specialist help from therapists and sometimes specialised computer equipment.

“We have that expertise in Malvern,” he said.

Sponsor forms are available at the Splash and at Arcos, Hatherton Lodge, Avenue Road, Malvern.