At 75 years-old, Teddington resident Remo Grasso is running this year's London Marathon to raise funds for three local charities close to his heart: Crossroads Care Richmond and Kingston, Homelink, and Integrated Neurological Services.

Inspired by his many years of caring for his beloved mum, Grasso is determined to cross the finish line for a cause that really matters:

Grasso said: "Caring is a cause very close to my heart. "I had the longest goodbye with my precious mum, whose light and life faded due to the ravages of Alzheimer's.

"For many years, I was my mother's full-time carer - often a torturous and lonely time - but I was blessed with the support of my dear sister, Vilma, and others, not least the absolute gold dust in the form of charities Crossroads Care and Homelink."

Both charities provided crucial support to Remo and his mother during their most challenging years, and to this day, Remo gives back by volunteering regularly with them.

Crossroads Care Richmond offers high-quality bespoke home and community respite care and support, giving carers much-needed breaks.

Its respite groups, such as the Caring Café, provide isolated carers and their loved ones with friendship, activities, and specialist information, advice and support.

Homelink provides the highest standard of care and support for vulnerable and socially isolated older people with complex needs such as dementia, who are still living at home in Whitton and the surrounding areas of Richmond and Hounslow.

It also provides a direct programme of support for carers, who are often in desperate need of support themselves.

Integrated Neurological Services (INS) has been working for over 30 years to support adults with neurological conditions and their carers in Hounslow and Richmond.

Its multidisciplinary team provides holistic therapy, social and emotional support, tailored to people's individual rehabilitation needs and goals.

Grasso continued: "26.2 miles is a hell of a distance. The London Marathon is going to be gruelling, but I'm determined.

"So please support me, donate and cheer me on — not only will you be helping these incredible charities to continue their good work, but you'll also be inspiring me to keep running. I'll need all the support I can get!"

You can donate via Grasso's  JustGiving page.