A BLACKBURN charity champ joined thousands of others as he took part in the Flora London Marathon.

Yesterday's race was the first time Navit Gohil of Manor Road has ever run the marathon.

Navit, who ran to raise money for Sense, an organisation which helps people with deaf, blindness and related disabilities, said: "When I began training, more than three months ago, I found it difficult to run a couple of miles. The hardest thing was motivating yourself to get out of the house.

"A couldn't run a single mile at first.

"My family were a bit hesitant, because I've never been one to do much strenuous exercise."

Navit had tried unsuccessfully to register for the London Marathon on five previous occasions.

"I always wanted to run the marathon and this year I was overjoyed after my application was accepted.

"The organisers are helpful in finding you a charity for which you can raise money for and I was passed on the details of Sense.

"I have raised more than £700 so far and I thank those at my workplace Deluxe, Blackburn, and my family for sponsoring me."