MORE used to pulling pints than pulling on trainers - a landlord vowed to run his first ever marathon in aid of the hospice which supported his late friend.

Keith Newby, manager of The New Inn, Ombersley Road, Worcester, is undergoing a gruelling training regime to get him into shape for the 2014 Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday, April 13 in aid of St Richard's Hospice.

Despite working long hours in the pub, the 39-year-old is also training for the marathon three days a week as well as a long run on Sundays with personal trainer Rachel Orme.

Mr Newby said the inspiration behind his marathon efforts was his friend Cynthia Leather who passed away at the hospice in Wildwood Lane, Worcester in October 2012 after battling lung cancer.

Mr Newby said: "I couldn't run a bath let alone a marathon and I had never taken part in any participation stuff like this before.

"Unfortunately, I lost two pals who were cared for by St Richard's Hospice and I saw the work they do.

"Cynthia asked me to raise money for them and asked me to do the London Marathon.

"It's a great charity and the work they do is absolutely phenomenal."

Mr Newby hopes to raise £2,500 and is well on his way to hitting his target having reached over £1,300 on his Just Giving website.

Collection tins have also been placed at the pub as well as the Co-operative Food shop at 387 Ombersley Road and the Post Office, Ombersley Road.

The New Inn has organised a number of events to support the hospice including Mr Newby and 11 customers having their moustaches waxed off for during the Tasche for Cash fundraiser.

Mr Newby added: "St Richard's Hospice is on our doorstep and I don't think there is a customer who unfortunately hasn't had some kind of connection with the charity.

"They have big plans to extend their services and I'm lucky enough to be in a position to raise money for them and have some great customers whose support has been ace."

Anyone wanting to sponsor Mr Newby should log on to http://www.justgiving.com/Keith-Newby.