PENSIONER Alan Aldridge will be celebrating his 70th birthday by running in the Bournemouth Marathon Festival next weekend.

Alan, 69, who has lived around the Isle of Purbeck nearly all his life, is taking part in the 10k race on October 4 in support of the RNLI.

He says: “I’ve wanted to set myself a running challenge for 30 years and when I told my family I would do it for my 70th birthday I knew I had finally committed.

“My daughter is a seasoned marathon runner and is going to do the run with me, along with my son and son-in-law. I don’t mind if I don’t come first, but I’d prefer not to be last!”

A long-time supporter of the RNLI, Alan has been a member of the Swanage Sea Rowing Club for twelve years, with several of the club’s members having connections to Swanage lifeboat station.

Alan is hoping to raise £300 towards the Swanage Boathouse Appeal.

“I’m in awe of the service the RNLI volunteer crew members provide to the town. When we’re out rowing in the bay it’s a comfort to know that help is there if we were to need it. I fully support the much needed renovation of the boathouse.”

Carolyn Mwaniki, RNLI Community Fundraising Manager for Dorset says: “The RNLI is grateful to a host of dedicated fundraisers running in the Bournemouth Marathon Festival.

“We wish Alan and all the RNLI runners the best of luck on the day.

“We hope to have lots of RNLI supporters and volunteers there to cheer them on!’ The RNLI’s marquee will be located in the Lower Gardens during the event where visitors can meet the charity’s volunteers, the official RNLI mascot Stormy Stan and take part in a dressing up game for a picture in an RNLI crew outfit.

For the chance to meet new people and improve your CV, volunteer as an RNLI cheerer by contacting the events team on events@rnli.org.uk / 0300 300 9995. To sponsor Alan, visit virginmoneygiving.com/AlanAldridge