Brotherly love behind marathon challenge

Thatcham runner uses place in London marathon to raise funds for mental health charity

A THATCHAM man is preparing to run the London Marathon next month in memory of his brother, who took his own life at the age of 23.

Guy Watts (pictured on the right), aged 37, of Lower Way, will take part in the 26.2-mile race on April 17 to raise money for mental health charity Mind.

Mr Watts is a member of Team Kennet running club, based in Thatcham, and his name was drawn from a hat after the club was allocated two places in the race.

Although he is thrilled to have been selected to run after several years of unsuccessful applications, he said that he was entering the race for a serious cause that was close to his heart.

It has been a decade since his brother, Gavin Watts, took his own life after a prolonged spell of depression.

Mr Watts said that although his brother had shown signs of the illness before he died, such as not wanting to leave the house, he still was shocked by his death.

He said: “You don't think that anything is going to happen.

“You think everything will be alright. I just wonder why he did it and whether I could have done anything.

All things like that go through your mind.”

Mr Watts said that he wanted to raise money for Mind as he was now aware that this was a charity that could have helped his brother.

He added: “I lost my brother 10 years ago to depression so I thought it might be nice to do something for Mind.

“He had depression for a long time.

“Mind could have helped Gavin.

It can help other people like Gavin.

“It's a charity that is in my heart."

Mr Watts said that he wanted to raise as much money as possible, but was hoping to make at least £500. To sponsor him, visit www.virginmoney giving.com/guywatts