Edward plans a baptism of fire with two marathons

Edward Taylor, the son of East Lancashire Coroner and Burnley solicitor Richard Taylor, will take on the two famous marathons in April – despite having never ran the distance before.

Edward, who played flanker for Burnley RFC and also represented Burnley Cricket Club, said he was looking forward to the challenge.

The 26-year-old said: “I’ve only ever done a half marathon before so I’m expecting this to be tough.

“I originally applied just for the London Marathon but when I wasn’t included I then applied for the Paris one.

“I then got a call to say I’d been accepted onto London so I thought I’d give them both a go. They are only a few weeks apart so it should be interesting.”

Edward, who was educated at Shrewsbury School, is hoping to raise £3,500 for the Sarcoma charity in memory of a family friend who died from the rare form of cancer.

The keen sportsman, who previously worked in Burnley at Southerns Solicitors, now works as a tax adviser in London.