As the London Marathon fast approaches, ex-Tranmere Rovers player Alex Hay is joining over 80,000 runners in preparing to take on the iconic 26.2 mile run.

40-year-old Alex, who will run in support of Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, grew up in Rock Ferry and was fortunate enough - and talented enough - to be selected to play for Tranmere Rovers.

Growing up in the area, like so many Alex has been touched by the care and support provided by The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

In 1996, Alex's Grandad was treated at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre for lung cancer and since then he has had other family members, as well as close friends who have been treated at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. He says "Giving back to the area and the local community is something I look to do in any way I can, and this is a way I feel I can make a difference. It's been a tough period for me, personally, and for so many others and picking a charity to support is difficult.

There are constant struggles for so many people; lots of which have touched me personally, have affected family, friends and friends I didn't even realise I had. I came across Clatterbridge Cancer Charity on social media and after researching what they set out to do it was an easy decision. Every day I cross paths with someone who has been touch by cancer, and by taking on the London Marathon I can at least try to help someone who is going through treatment at Clatterbridge right now."

Praising The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre for its cancer treatments and for the support the staff offer to patients and families Alex understands the need for Clatterbridge to continue growing and developing throughout the area.

"Clatterbridge is one of the most respected cancer treatment centres in the country. When I announced I was supporting the Charity at this year's London Marathon, the number of people who have contacted me, who know someone who is receiving treatment at Clatterbridge, know someone who works there or who is actually undergoing treatment themselves is so heart-warming and it's their support that is driving me to raise as much as I can for the Charity."

"This could be the first of many fundraisers I do for Clatterbridge; I've got the determination to help people as much as I can and all of the support I'm getting is making me think 'what can I do next'. It's filling me with immense pride that I am able to help a charity local to so many, and that this charity is helping even more people who are going through cancer treatment right now. It's such a small thing I'm doing, but for others it could be a big deal so what I say is let's get together for this local, amazing charity and let's help support those living with cancer right now!"

Alex has already made incredible strides in his fundraising, and is calling on others to support Clatterbridge Cancer Charity this year. Every pound raised at events like the London Marathon will help to fund innovations in care, life-saving research and the best possible experience for patients at our centres across the region.

To sign up to support the Charity, visit https://www.clatterbridgecc.nhs.uk/charity/events