A serving Royal Navy engineer will tackle the London Marathon to raise funds for service personnel and their families.

Harry Burrows from Rowlands Castle is preparing to run the famous endurance race in support of the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).

Harry Burrows will run the 26.2-mile route through the capital later this Sunday (April 26), combining a personal test of endurance with a commitment to helping the Armed Forces community.

Mr Burrows said he was inspired to enter the race to push his physical and mental limits while raising money for a cause close to his heart.

“Crossing the finish line and knowing I’ve completed this challenge for RNRMC will be an unforgettable moment,” he said.

As a serving member of the Royal Navy, Mr Burrows said he sees daily the dedication and resilience required of service personnel.

“RNRMC provides vital support to those who serve and their families, improving wellbeing, recovery, and quality of life,” he said. “Knowing my fundraising could directly benefit members of the Armed Forces community makes this challenge even more meaningful.”

While he expects the final miles of the marathon to be demanding, Mr Burrows said he is looking forward to the atmosphere on race day, with friends and family cheering him on.

Outside of his training, he enjoys mountaineering, kayaking and skiing, and is also an avid fan of Formula One. Running, he said, has become another way to test himself, reflecting the determination required in his naval career.

He encouraged others to take on similar challenges.

“Go for it. It’s tough but incredibly rewarding. You’ll learn so much about yourself and know that every step you take is helping others,” he said.

The charity, founded in 2007, supports serving and former personnel of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, as well as their families, funding projects and distributing grants to organisations that improve wellbeing and quality of life.

Mr Burrows’ marathon effort will help ensure that support continues for those who serve, both now and in the future.