RUNNING the London Marathon next year will be a poignant journey for Corey Roebuck.

The 26-year-old is tackling the 26-mile course to raise money for leukaemia research a charity close to his heart as he lost his sister to the disease at a young age.

“I have chosen to run for Leukaemia UK as it is important to me and my family,” said Corey, an Oakwell coach who has never run a marathon before.

Having seen friends take on the challenge he decided to ‘have a little punt’ and his application to take part in the Virgin 2019 event was approved just days ago.

“So I have already started training,” said Corey, of Market Close, Oakwell. “I am just doing short runs and building up slowly.”

A keen sportsman, Corey grew up watching Barnsley FC and now works for the club as a part-time coach in the academy, training under 12s.

He also plays cricket at Rockingham Colliery Cricket Club.

His day job is as a head of year in sport at Leeds College.

Corey has set himself a target of raising £1,500 from the run next April. “I want to raise awareness of leukaemia to find a cure and aim to raise as much as I can,” he said.

nAnyone who wants to sponsor him should go to virginmoneygiving.com/CoreyRoebuck