Mesam Ali, a well-known Nelson volunteer, is preparing to take on the London Marathon to raise money for Positive Action in the Community

A well-known Nelson volunteer is preparing to take on the London Marathon to raise money for a charity supporting vulnerable people across East Lancashire.

Mesam Ali will run the 26.2-mile challenge at the 2027 TCS London Marathon on Saturday, April 24, raising funds for Positive Action in the Community (PAC).

He will be joined by PAC's chief operating officer Courtney Wright, who will be taking on her first marathon.

Mesam, who lives in Nelson, is a familiar face in the town through his involvement in a number of community projects.

He volunteers at the Friendship Cafe, which provides a free three-course meal every Friday for people in the community, including those experiencing isolation or financial difficulties.

He is also involved with Nelson Pride in Place and has helped organise free community running sessions through Forba Community Club, bringing together people of different ages and abilities.

Although Mesam has a background in boxing and sport, running a marathon will be an entirely new challenge.

He said: "Running the London Marathon has been something I've wanted to do for a long time.

"I come from a boxing and sporting background, but a marathon is a completely different challenge for me.

"I know there are going to be some difficult days over the next few months, but having PAC and the people the charity supports as my reason for doing it gives the whole challenge a bigger purpose.

"I'm excited to document the journey from the first proper training runs all the way through to the finish line."

Explaining why he chose to support PAC, Mesam said he wanted to raise money for an organisation making a difference in the communities around him.

He added: "I wanted to run for a charity that was genuinely local to me and where the money I raise can make a difference to people in the communities around us.

"PAC does some brilliant work across East Lancashire supporting people affected by youth homelessness, domestic abuse and poor mental health.

"These are real issues affecting people on our doorstep, so being able to use the London Marathon to support that work means a lot to me."

Claire Bennett, chief executive of PAC, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have both Mesam and our very own Courtney representing PAC at the 2027 TCS London Marathon.

"Mesam is a true community hero in Nelson, and seeing him take on this challenge alongside Courtney for her first ever marathon is truly inspiring.

"The funds and awareness they raise will be instrumental in allowing us to continue supporting those facing youth homelessness, domestic abuse, and mental health challenges in East Lancashire."

The 2027 event is expected to be the biggest London Marathon yet, with more than 120,000 people anticipated to take part as the event expands to two days of running.

People can support Mesam's fundraising efforts through his GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/950a59908.

For more information about Positive Action in the Community and the support it provides, visit www.p-a-c.org.uk.