A SPECIAL constable from Malmesbury is preparing himself for his third London marathon which takes place tomorrow morning.

Richard Warren, who works for Wiltshire Police, is also celebrating his 50th year working as a special constable and is raising money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Swindon Therapy Centre for MS.

The 72-year-old said: “I am taking part in the London marathon to celebrate the start of my 50th year and to celebrate the fact that I can still do it.

“This might be the last time, but then again it might not!”

Richard said his wife Lynette, who has lived with MS since the 1980s, will be his inspiration to get him over the finishing line.

“She is always positive and cheerful and is very pleased when I am doing things for other people in the MS world”, said Richard.

In between his work and training for the marathon, Richard still finds time to volunteer as an operator of the barometric oxygen chamber at the Swindon Therapy Centre for MS.

Last year, he received an MBE for voluntary services in the Queen’s 2016 birthday honours list.

Richard began his career as a special constable in 1967 with Somerset and Bath Police before transferring to Wiltshire Police in 1980.

As well as getting in the training hours in preparation for the marathon, the community-minded bobby has been out running with a bin bag so he can help collect litter that he comes across.

Richard said: “During my training, to improve my start/stop recovery, I have been collecting and disposing of any litter I come across, so I can help to keep my part of Wiltshire completely litter free”.

You can support Richard in raising money for his good causes by going to Virgin Money Giving and searching for ‘Richard Warren’s 2017 London Marathon.’