Marathon debutant Wayne Swiffin has organised a fundraising dinner to help him raise money for The Royal British Legion.

Wayne, a public relations consultant from Clipstone, is taking part in the London Marathon on April 23.

He took up running last year and this will be his first marathon, although he recently completed his second half-marathon.

To help raise funds, he has organised an event at The Mangrove Indian Restaurant, on Dame Flogan Street, Mansfield, on Sunday, April 30, at 7pm.

Tickets are £20 each, and there’s a raffle on the night as well, with some superb prizes – including a Thomas Sabo bracelet, Thorntons chocolates, bowling sessions, afternoon teas, Yankee Candles, shopping vouchers, fitness sessions, a two-hour treatment (full body massage and deluxe facial), hampers, whisky, real ale, model trucks, and much more.

Wayne said: “The event is a few days after the London Marathon so I’ll be able to tell people what it was like. I’m looking forward to the marathon, as it will be the culmination of a lot of training.

“I used to watch it on the TV while stuffing my face with breakfast, and saying something along the lines of I’ll do that one day.

“Well, that day is nearly here and while I do feel nervous, I am confident that I will finish and will raise money for a very worthy cause.”

So, if you fancy a good night out with friends, family or work colleagues, and you want to help the Royal British Legion, the Mangrove fundraising dinner evening is for you.

Get in touch with Wayne to book your tickets, or purchase raffle tickets (at £5 a strip of five tickets), on 07854689914. The raffle will be drawn on the night.