RYAN Davies-Blanchard went for a first time 5km run thinking he was “relatively fit.”

Five kilometres soon caught up with him.

But Ryan needs to be ready for his first ever marathon by April.

And it’s the big one – in London – with One in Eight pushing him on.

The Haven had a dash to get Ryan – a sales executive at the Hereford Times – to the marathon.

His was the last “golden bond” marathon place The Haven had left.

As a charity, The Haven gets 10 golden bond – or guaranteed – starting places it can offer to its fundraisers.

One place will always go to The Haven’s “marathon postie” Mike Chandler.

Ryan, by contrast, is making his marathon debut and says: “Something I always wanted to do, a bucket list thing.”

Right now, his fundraising target is £200 a month towards a £2,500 total.

He can look to HT Head of Media Sales, Helen Palmer for inspiration.

She was part of an HT team that completed the London marathon 12 years ago.

Practical advice is on hand from trainer Ben Harwood at Point 4 gym, a place Ryan admits is more his style than the open road.

Ben has run two marathons compared to Ryan who admits he’s “not much of runner,”

But by April, he will be.

To back Ryan and the Haven’s One in Eight Appeal go to www.justgiving.com/ryan-davies-blanchard A COUNTRY and western dance group is raising money for the appeal at its next meet.

This Saturday, there will be a country and western dance at Cawley Hall in Eye at 8.30pm to midnight with Richie Jones performing.

Tickets are £5 on the door. All proceeds will be going to the Haven appeal after a regular attendee at the dance benefited from the support centre’s service.

For more details call Monica Thomas on 01584 831207.

n And don't forget Acre Accountancy is putting on a gig at Hereford Welsh Club tomorrow at 7.30pm. Hannah Clayton and Indie rock band Phoenix are performing.

Tickets cost £10 from Tracy Mayo on 01432 266270.

The One in Eight appeal total is now £22,200.