A SOLICITOR is preparing to tackle a marathon in Austria in aid of a charity which supports people affected by spinal cord injuries.

Alistair Stokes, 35, of Cattal, west of York, is running this year’s Vienna Marathon on April 23 in aid of the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA).

He has set himself a fundraising target of £1,600, and has already raised nearly £1,500.

He said: “I’ve specialised in the area of medical negligence for nine years now and during that time I have acted for many clients who have suffered spinal injuries. Quite simply I have seen, first-hand, the devastating effect that a spinal injury can have.”

He added: “I hope that by running the Vienna Marathon I can help the SIA to continue the remarkable work it does supporting individuals with spinal injuries.” Last year, Alistair, who works for Pryers solicitors in York, ran the Amsterdam Marathon. Donate at https://www.justgiving.com/Alistair-Stokes