By Joe Riddle

TV presenter and wine expert Olly Smith will run this year’s London Marathon to raise money for Brighton’s Rockinghorse Charity.

Rockinghorse is the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital and also supports the Trevor Mann Baby Unit.

Mr Smith, whose daughter was treated at the Royal Alexandra last year, is hoping to raise as much as possible for the cause.

He said: “Rockinghorse does not receive any government funding and relies on the generous support of individuals, community groups, companies and trusts, so please help sponsor me.”

The money will go towards buying a portable ultrasound machine for the hospital’s A&E department.

Mr Smith admits he is “not a natural runner” as he prepares for his first ever marathon.

“I've never done anything like this before and after losing three-and-half stone in weight, this is a huge challenge for me and honestly, I'm terrified,” he said.

Mr Smith will be taking part in a special marathon training session to be held at Withdean Sports Complex on February 2.

The training is both practical and theory-based and covers all aspects of running such as warming up, injury prevention, nutrition and strengthening.

More than 120 runners will join him in preparation for various long-distance races, including the Brighton Marathon and Half Marathon.

Rockinghorse’s fundraising manager Paul Kwatia said: “The Brighton Marathon is our largest single event in terms of net income and this is the first year that we have been involved in the Brighton Half Marathon, which we anticipate will be another vital source of funds. 

“Along with income from the Virgin London Marathon we hope to raise over £60,000 this year. ”