A FATHER-of-three is taking on the London Marathon as a ‘retirement tribute’ to his mum.

Martin Bown will pound the streets of the capital on October 3 to raise money for Keighley Salvation Army.

His effort is a salute to mother Chris, who stood down in the summer after nearly 18 years with the High Street church.

Martin, 49, has set-up an online fundraising page – at justgiving.com/fundraising/martinrunsforsallyarmy – with the aim of raising £2,000. He has so far coined-in more than £1,200.

He said: “To sum-up two decades of tireless work is difficult but whether it was at the Salvation Army or for another passion – Rotary – my mum has been absolutely selfless in her support of the community in which she lives.

“Whilst it would undoubtedly have been easier to buy her a bunch of flowers to commemorate her retirement, I couldn’t think of a better way to carry on the good work that mum has done over the last couple of decades at the Salvation Army than by raising some money – which is why I’m joining the ‘Sally Army Striders’ and taking part in the London Marathon.

“We as a family think it’s a fitting way to say ‘enjoy your retirement, mum/granny’!

“The funds raised from the marathon will go directly to the Salvation Army in Keighley to continue supporting the community that mum has made herself a part of ­– whether it be the Christmas Appeal, Messy Church or stocking the food bank.

“Running really is the easy part compared to the work done by my mum and her colleagues day after day, in Keighley and across the country.

“Any donation that people feel able to give, no matter how small, will be very gratefully received!”

Martin grew-up in Keighley and is a former pupil of Holy Family School.

Now an accountant, who runs his own company, he lives at Highburton near Huddersfield.

Keighley Salvation Army operates a number of services to support those in need in the town.

Its provision includes a food bank, which has seen demand soar since the start of the pandemic.

The church holds popular sales of goods including clothes and toys to help raise funds for its work in the community.

For further information about Keighley Salvation Army services and projects, visit salvationarmy.org.uk/keighley.