Tavistock Athletics Club member Andrew Alcock sets out for the 'Big Apple' later this week to take part in the 2008 ING New York City Marathon.

 He is hoping to raise £5,000 for Children's Hospice South West, the widely supported regional charity which provides specialist hospice care throughout the South West for very poorly and terminally ill children and their families. Through its Precious Lives Appeal, CHSW is raising funds to build a new hospice, near St Austell.

 Andrew is Finance Director for the Yelverton based jewellery insurance specialists, T.H. March Insurance Brokers, and Deputy President of the Plymouth and Cornwall Insurance Institute.

Speaking before he left for New York, Andrew said:

'This is my first marathon and New York is one of the world's largest races. The prospect of taking part is both very exciting and daunting.

 I am very pleased to be able to help Children's Hospice South West and am amazed by the level of support I have received in fundraising - from friends, family and colleagues as well as from clients and business partners of T.H March, both nationally and locally. In particular, I would like to thank Jardine Lloyd Thompson, Vospers, Bond Pearce and Michael Spiers. 

 I have been in training since January and it has been really hard work. It has taken over my life in recent months and Tavistock Athletics Club has provided a tremendous amount of help and encouragement.'

 Andrew heads out to New York on 31 October and the race itself is on 2 November 2008. By the time he arrives in New York, Andrew will have run close to 1,000 miles in training and taken part in 5 half marathons this year.

Emma Lloyd, Children's Hospice South West's Precious Lives Appeal Manager said:

 'We are delighted that Andrew has chosen to support our very special appeal to build a childrens hospice for Plymouth and Cornwall.  He has put so much into both his training and fundraising and I wish him all the best for his marathon challenge in the Big Apple.'

 Sponsorship can still be made over the internet, at:

  www.Justgiving.com/andrewalcock1