When Tim Brewster from Rollesby decided to run the London marathon there was only one charity he wanted to help.

As a lifelong sailor whose sister Samantha sailed solo and non-stop around the world in her twenties, it had to be the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Tim, who makes bespoke furniture and hand built kitchens, had always wanted to complete the course and turning 50 last year made him decide the time was right.

Now, on top of his training, he is organising an afternoon of music, food and crafts on Saturday April 8 from 12.30pm at All Saints Parish Hall in Scratby.

He said: 'I've never been an athletic man but I've always wanted to complete the London marathon and I realised at 50 I had better get on with it. My family have always been keen sailors and I think none of us know when we may need the help of this wonderful charity which is staffed mainly by volunteers.

'When Samantha sailed around the world a winch tore free and dumped her spinnaker overboard which almost scuppered her attempt. It's a dangerous sport and it's reassuring to know the RNLI are on hand around our coastline in case of an emergency.'

Tim has been training for the last nine months. His routine involves three to five hour runs along the coastline.

He said: 'My training is going very well, I have completed several 18 mile runs so far with the support of my brother-in-law who is my running partner, and my wife usually joins me on her bike with supplies and general words of encouragement. I am really looking forward to the marathon but am mindful of the need to pace myself and not get carried away with the atmosphere of the event.'

On the day, April 23, Tim will be cheered on by his wife Noreen, daughter Katie and sister Sam.

She said: 'When I felt like giving up on my east to west round the world voyage, my brother sent me a letter saying he'd gone through life doing all the normal things and he was so proud his sister had set out to do something amazing like this and could achieve it. That was very special. Now it's my turn to cheer him on as he does something amazing.'

Tickets for the music event, £10 to include lunch, from 07931701903 or email brewstersdash@gmail.com.