Pictured above: Shropshire businessman Peter McPhillips

A Shropshire construction boss hopes to raise £10,000 for the Wellington hospice in this year's London marathon.

Over the past few months, Peter McPhillips has clocked hundreds of miles pounding county roads and country lanes to be ready for the tough 26 mile annual race through the City of London.

Training up to four times a week, he has been helped by colleagues Paul Inions and Paul Hill who all work together at McPhillips Civil Engineers based at Hortonwood, Telford.

"I couldn't have done this without my training partners as this is my first ever full marathon and my last one," said Peter (52), who is joint MD of the company responsible for designing and building many civil engineering projects in the county.

Two year ago Peter raised almost £8,000 for the hospice in the Run to the Beat half marathon at the O2 in London. But this year he would like to reach £10,000 for the hospice.

"Many people know someone who has been so well cared for at the hospice and they really do need our money to keep going. It is a worthwhile cause. They do such good work.

"I would like to thank friends and colleagues who have already kindly sponsored me and promise that I will do my best to get round the whole 26 miles."

Severn Hospice has to raise over two thirds of its running costs through voluntary support and donations.

Further donations for Peter's marathon can be made at: http://www.justgiving.com/Peter-McPhillips1