THE tragic events at the Boston marathon in 2013 – in which three people were killed, and hundreds injured – were the inspiration for a Pembrokeshire hotelier’s own marathon ambitions.

Two years ago, Will Smallman was on holiday in Boston with his family. He flew back to the UK the day before two homemade explosives were detonated during the city’s annual marathon, injuring competitors and bystanders, and killing three people.

“We had been on a tour around the city just the day before and had been past the area where the bomb exploded on that fateful day,” said Will, who owns the Beggars Reach Hotel, in Burton, with his wife Gill.

“It was then that the thought to do a marathon first popped into my head, just as a show of defiance and solidarity with the people of Boston at that stage.”

This Saturday, April 26, the 52-year-old is taking part in the Virgin London Marathon, where he will attempt to complete the 26.2-mile course to raise money for Get Kids Going (GKG) - a charity that helps children and young people with disabilities access sports.

GKG provides young people with specially built sports wheelchairs, and provides grants to help with training, physiotherapy, travel and competition fees to inspire children to compete in sporting events, from early stages up to Paralympic level.

Having never run a marathon before, Will said he has undergone a rigorous training schedule, running three times a week as well as regular gym visits and a strict diet.

“Over these 18 weeks I have had numerous injuries to my knees, back and ankles, but I have overcome these as I have been determined to carry on,” said Will.

So far, Will has clocked up more than £1,000 of his £2,500 total, thanks to donations from friends, family, customers and suppliers.

To make a donation, and help Will reach his goal, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving/ and search ‘Smallman’.