A Southampton man who took up running after losing his father to cancer is taking on the London Marathon to raise money for Palestinian children.

IT recruiter Vinay Sonchatla, 49, from Bassett, first took up running back in 2018 when he lost his father to lung cancer just before his 77th birthday.

In 2019, Vinay ran 1200 kilometres and raised just over £15,000 for a second vein-finding machine for the oncology ward at Southampton General Hospital.

After this, he also raised funds for Macmillan Cancer Support by completing 100km in one month.

The IT recruiter said that Macmillan had supported his father during his cancer treatment.

Support his fundraiser here

He said: “I had no intention to take up running. I merely went out initially for a 2km run to get my head around the devastating news that my beloved father was going to die.

“Running then became my place to go whenever I had things on my mind or when I was sad.”

Daily Echo: The recruitment consultant is raising money for the children of PalestineThe recruitment consultant has also completed the Barbados Half Marathon, the Fulham 10 kilometres, the Royal Parks London Half Marathon and countless five and 10 kilometre runs.

He added: “This is my first full marathon, and the biggest challenge is getting the training right.

"Whilst I am excited at the prospect of my first full marathon - I am nervous as I really need to complete the entire race.

"My expectations are to safely complete the race and not necessarily focus on the time."

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This year, Vinay is raising funds for the children of Palestine – after Israel launched an ongoing invasion of Gaza following the October 7 attacks perpetrated by Hamas.

He added: “These children are currently experiencing a terrible famine. They have no access to water or food.

“There is no aid going into Palestine - I am working with Charity Right which is a charity on the ground in Palestine.

“It breaks my heart to see any child thirsty or hungry, but these kids are being starved. In this modern world, no child should go without food or water.” 

Vinay said that in the future, he plans to continue fund raising for good charitable causes if he body allows him to keep running.

To support Vinay, visit: charityright.org.uk/cr-star-campaign/6657/running-london-marathon-2024-for-the-children-of-palestine