A Norwich graphic designer who is running the London Marathon for the first time this year wants to raise £1,000 for three charities.

Owen Mathers, 36, from Glebe Road in Norwich, is running the 26.2-mile course on April 23 for Macmillan Cancer Support, Dementia UK and national mental health campaign Heads Together.

Mr Mathers, who works for Virgin Money, chose Macmillan Cancer Support because his mother was treated for breast cancer four years ago.

She has since had the all clear.

He is running for Dementia UK because his grandfather, who died in December 2016, had dementia.

The 36-year-old is also raising money for Heads Together, supported by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, because it was selected by Virgin Money.

Mr Mathers said the Heads Together campaign meant something to him as two of his close relatives suffer with anxiety and depression.

He said: 'The charities are close to my heart. They are all good causes and for me the marathon is a once in a lifetime event. I'm looking forward to it.'

He is holding a fundraising Familiar Faces art event on Friday, April 7, and Saturday, April 8, from 11am-5pm, at the Two Fat Ladies Gallery on Upper St Giles Street, Norwich.

During the fundraiser, the former Norwich University of the Arts pupil will be drawing live portraits of visitors.

People can make donations for the original pieces of art.

Mr Mathers has previously run the City of Norwich Half Marathon in 2007 and 2008 and the Windsor Half Marathon in 2009.

He started training for the marathon in December 2016 and was originally aiming to complete the run in under four and a half hours. He added: 'I just want to complete it.'

To donate visit www.virginmoneygiving and type in Owen Mathers.

For more information about the charities visit www.headstogether.org.uk, www.macmillan.org.uk, and www.dementiauk.org.

The EDP and Norwich Evening News would like to speak to people from this region attempting the marathon this year.

It takes in the capital's famous landmarks including the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace.

To get in touch with your story email reporter sophie.wyllie@archant.co.uk or call 01603 772531.