A MOUNTAIN rescue doctor and MBE from Kendal is running the London Marathon for charity.

Dr Michael Greene, 60, will be fundraising for The Salvation Army at the race on Saturday 28 April, having secured one of the organisation's charity spaces.

The sponsorship monies raised this year will support the charity's work protecting and caring for victims of modern slavery.

Dr Greene said: "Combatting modern slavery and human trafficking is a cause that's particularly close to my heart as my son recently worked with a charity in South Africa and told me about the extent of the problem in that part of the world.

"I've also spent time working in Bangladesh and Nepal as a volunteer myself so I've seen extreme poverty and slavery first hand and it's a global problem that's going on right here in the UK."

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Dr Greene, a retired NHS consultant, has been a mountain rescue doctor for over 25 years. He received an MBE for his services to health and the community in 2014.

Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army, said: "We can't thank these runners enough for their time and support. The Salvation Army's Victim Care Fund provides additional support to help survivors of modern slavery.

"This could be a deposit for someone to move into their own home, clothing for a job interview, or a bike to help someone get to work."

Having already raised over £2400, Dr Greene looks set to surpass his target of £2500. Visit www.justgiving.com/mike-greene to donate.