Just three years after being told his running career was over following knee surgery, Chaldon resident Phil Saville is running the full Marathon distance of 26.2 miles in stages by taking part in de Stafford Sports Centre's 2012 Gym Challenge. Phil is undertaking the challenge to raise money for local charity COAT (Caterham Overseas Aid Trust). The Challenge gives runners three weeks to complete the full marathon distance on the running machines. Phil will be finishing the challenge after marshalling at the start of the London Marathon at Blackheath on Sunday 22nd April.

On a recent visit to the gym at de Stafford, Phil said: "After my knee surgery I was told that impact sports would not be possible in the future but with the help of my personal trainer, Jason Clare, and an intensive gym programme, I have been able to run again at distance of up to 10k at a time. I have completed 14 miles so far."

The last event Phil completed was the 5k Rotary Bunny Fun Run last weekend in Queen's Park when he ran with the Chaldon Creakers, a running group he started in 2003. Phil is also a member of the Oxted Runners and since 1998 he has completed five London Marathons in the process of raising money for charity.

As secretary of COAT, Phil is passionate about raising money to further COAT's objectives. Since its formation in 1981 COAT has raised over £330,000 to help people in poverty in third world countries help themselves via agencies working on the ground e.g. Water Aid, Self Help Africa, VSO, TWAM, Tools for Self-Reliance, Tree Aid, Sightsavers, Practical Action etc. .COAT is run entirely by an enthusiastic band of local volunteers, and draws much support from local Churches. COAT is one of nine such organisations in the South-east of England, all charged with the same mission statement - to help poorer people in third-world countries to help themselves and improve their lives.

Phil would welcome any sponsorship which will go directly to help COAT's work. Any donations can be made to Phil Saville at 63 Rook Lane, Chaldon CR3 5AQ, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. telephone 01883 341063. Please make cheques payable to COAT.

For more information about COAT visit their website at www.overseasaid.org.uk