MARATHON man Steve Bushell is taking part in one of the world’s most famous 26-milers in memory of little Libby O’Brien.

Steve, 45, is managing director of Rudheath satellite installation firm View Comms, and will be pounding the streets of the capital in April in the London Marathon.

Libby is the daughter of Steve’s friends Dave and Pip O’Brien, and died from cancer in 2009.

Steve is taking part in the marathon to support Claire House Children’s Hospice, which cared for Libby, and has set himself a target of raising £4,000.

“I began running only a couple of years ago, and gaining a place in the London Marathon is a very proud although scary moment,” said Steve, from Helsby, who raised £600 for Chester Women’s Aid by taking part in the Manchester Marathon last year.

“I want to mark the event by trying to make a difference for Claire House Children's Hospice.

“I have chosen them because friends of mine had their life turned upside down, and Claire House were there to help them.

“Their daughter Libby was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma aged 16 months in 2008. Following a year of therapy and numerous surgical interventions it was established the cancer was incurable.

“Libby died at the hospice in August 2009 aged two years, eight months.

“Having spent a family respite weekend at Claire House in May 2009 they decided they wanted to be at the hospice for Libby’s end of life care, and the care shown to Libby during her last eight days was excellent.

“Her medical needs were taken care of, which allowed Libby’s parents and son Ben the unforgettable opportunity to be nothing more than her mummy, brother and daddy.

“Claire House has continued to support them through their bereavement, and I have witnessed how amazing and necessary this has been.

“I recently visited the hospice, and was blown away by the care and commitment the staff give to the children and families they help.

“I need all the help possible to get through my training plan and the marathon. People’s kind donations will be the motivation I need to achieve my aim to make a difference to Claire House and their families.”

View Comms is based at Gadbrook Park, and Libby’s family come from Hoole near Chester.

To support Steve’s marathon entry visit justgiving and type in Steve Bushell, Virgin London Marathon 2015, or twitter @stevesjourney26.