A charity ball has helped raised thousands of pounds for a London Marathon runner’s chosen charity.
Luke Allen (23), of Gosberton, is taking on the 26.2 mile run next month for the Make a Wish Foundation.
The teaching assistant at Gosberton House Academy was inspired to chose the charity after seeing the effect it had on one of his pupils.
And ahead of next month’s marathon, he held a special Make a Wish charity ball at the South Holland Centre on Saturday, February 29 which raised over £3,600.
“I’m over the moon with it,” he said. “I never imagined it would go half as well as it did or the money it would raise.
“Last year I had the pleasure of teaching a child who suffers with a terminal illness and he was able to go to Disney thanks to a charity.
“Make a Wish makes such a difference to children who need them.”
Luke is a keen sportsman who plays for Spalding Town FC, but he’s not done distance running before.
“I can’t lie, it’s hard,” he said. “Every week it seems like there’s a new storm and I’m running into the wind.
“As much as it’s hard work, it’ll be worth it in the end and running 26.2 miles is nothing compared to what some children who Make a Wish have had to help cope with.”
He added: “A huge thank you to all who attended and help make the ball the success it was.”
Luke Allen 
Luke Allen with partner Molly Howitt 
