Thompson to take on marathon challenge - 23/02/04

2002 BTCC champion James Thompson may be a proven force on the racetrack, but he will be taking on a race of a different type when he lines up for the London Marathon on Sunday April 18. The 29 year-old will be raising money for the charity Marie Curie Cancer Care.

James chose the charity because of the help his family received from Marie Curie when his father David died of cancer last year. Joining James on the run will be John Morton, a race engineer from his team, VX Racing, whose father also suffered and finally succumbed to cancer.

Thompson commented: "When my father was ill last year, the help that the Marie Curie nursing staff gave our family was invaluable. The touring car race calendar often clashes with the London Marathon but not this year and that's why John and I decided to try and give something back to this fantastic charity that helps so many people."

Thompson made his marathon debut last year when he ran the race at very short notice after his girlfriend’s father's running partner had to pull out at the last minute. He set a very respectable time of 3hrs and 27 minutes, which gives him a target for the 2004 event.

BTCC title sponsor Green Flag Motoring Assistance has kicked off the fund-raising for Thompson’s marathon bid, donating £500 to the cause. Anyone wanting to help James raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care can donate money at: www.justgiving.com/thommo or send a cheque (made payable to Marie Curie Cancer Care) to 89 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7TP or to make a telephone donation, call 0800 716 416.