HE is used to leading from the front. And now Peter Grimwood, chief executive of Fareham Borough Council, will be hoping not to fall behind as he takes on the London Marathon for the second time in aid of a Hampshire charity in crisis.

He has joined a team of runners taking part in the 26.2-mile course next month in aid of the Fareham-based Rainbow Centre.

Mr Grimwood completed the marathon five years ago and at the time had said never again, but is determined to beat his previous time on April 13.

In training he is running five miles every other day along with a longer run on Sundays that currently stands at 20 miles.

In addition, the 55-year-old has been taking on the nine flights of stairs at the council offices.

So far the father-of-two, from Emsworth, has raised £3,000.

The Rainbow Centre helps children with cerebral palsy using a system of conductive education, but now also helps adults suffering from conditions like Parkinson’s disease or who have suffered a stroke or head injury.

But earlier this week it announced it needs to raise £150,000 in the next four weeks or it could face closure.

Mr Grimwood said most people would know someone affected by such conditions and his visit to the centre had put the hard work and blisters into perspective.

“Whether it’s providing physiotherapy or supporting families, the Rainbow Centre really makes a difference,” he added.

To support Mr Grimwood log on to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ PeterGrimwood.