Councillor Cahal Burke will be competing in the London Marathon in aid of Arthritis Research UK this weekend.

Cllr Burke (Lindley), who was diagnosed with the condition last year, will be running the 26.2 mile course through London on Sunday 23rd April 2017.

Cllr Burke took up running a number of years ago after becoming injured playing football. He has competed in several full and half marathons, including Manchester Marathon in 2012 and New York City Marathon in 2014.

Arthritis, an inflammation of the joints, affects around 10 million people in the UK of all ages, with the two most common conditions being Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Cllr Burke will be raising money and awareness for Arthritis Research UK, founded in 1936 and investing in breakthrough treatments and providing information and support to those suffering with the condition.

Cllr Burke said: “I’m so excited to be running at one of the greatest spectacles in London and one of the world’s biggest charity running events. It’s unlikely that I will be able to compete any more after this.

The money I raise will help Arthritis Research UK, who are undertaking vital work in determining the causes of arthritis and identifying better treatment, preventing the onset of Arthritis and developing a cure.”

Cllr Burke can be sponsored via his donation page at:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/CahalBurke

Arthritis Research UK will receive 100% of the donations. Virgin Media Giving, a not-for-profit organisation, will also be able to claim gift aid on the charity’s behalf.

Further information about Arthritis Research UK can be found at: http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/