A HARROWING photo of an abused dog prompted a man to pick up his running shoes and train for the London marathon to raise money for the Battersea Dogs Home.

Danny Whitby said the photo was so upsetting that it became the thing that motivated him to keep training to bring in funds for the animal charity.

“There have been snowy mornings and freezing cold winter nights when I really didn’t want to go out and run but that picture made me carry on,” Mr Whitby said.

The former Wisbech Grammar School pupil, whose parents Sue and Alf live at Coalville Road, Wisbech, has raised almost £4,000 through his Virgin Money Just Giving page and hopes the sponsorship will keep rolling in.

The 36 year old moved to London after University where he has landed a string of prestigious jobs as musical director and pianist on a range of West End musicals including Mamma Mia, Guys and Dolls, Hairspray, and A Chorus Line.

Cast members and colleagues have helped boost his fund raising donations in what he said had been “overwhelming support.”

A huge animal fan he has two miniature schnauzers and a cat that he says truly enrich his life.

“Battersea do an amazing job and I am looking forward to putting my body through hell in order to help them,” he said.

Danny’s parents are putting on a coach from Wisbech to Petticoat Lane, London, on the day of the marathon for anyone who would like to watch friends or family running or for anyone who fancies a day sightseeing or shopping in the capital.

Tickets cost £11.50 each. Call Sue on 01945-464665

Are you running the London Marathon on April 21? Please contact our newsdesk to add yourself to our Marathon round-up where we hope to profile as many of you as possible who are competing in this gruelling race for good causes. Call us on 01354-652621 or email john.elworthy@archant.co.uk.