Already VAN Fleet World editor Dan Gilkes is raising funds for BEN through this Sunday’s Virgin Money London Marathon after competing in last year’s event. Having trained for 16 weeks in all weathers, the hard work is almost done and yesterday (21 April) saw Dan attend the London Marathon Expo at Excel in East London to pick up his running number and timing tag.

Now Dan just has to get to the starting line in Greenwich on Sunday and complete 26.2 miles!

Fleets can help donate to Dan’s fundraising by visiting his page at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DanGilkes.

But to add further funds, Stag Publications, the publisher of Fleet World/VAN Fleet World, has pledged to donate £1 for every reader registration or renewal made online.

All fleet operators need to do to help BEN is fill out the online form at http://www.fleetworldsubscriptions.co.uk/

Commenting on his imminent marathon run, Dan said: “It’s been a good build-up this year, apart from a bit of a cold towards the end of the 16 weeks. 

“The support from the industry, friends and family has once again been fantastic and I would really like to thank Fleet World for backing me throughout, plus many thanks to sponsors Citroen, Renault, Iveco, VW, Isuzu Truck, Phil Reed, JCB, Manitou and others. I am now well on my way to hitting my target for BEN, though donations are still very welcome at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DanGilkes.

“I look forward to catching up with sponsors next week at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham to thank them in person, though I may be moving a little bit slowly.”

You can follow Dan’s progress on Sunday on the Virgin Money London Marathon website or on the VMLM app, by inputting his name and running number – 33660.