A DAD-of-two is preparing to take on a mammoth challenge in memory of his old man who lost his life to kidney failure.

Jonny Hecht, from Giffnock, is set to run the London Marathon at the end of the month in honour of his dad George, who died almost three years ago at 67 just as he was due to start dialysis.

Mr Hecht, 42, will be running 26.2 miles on Sunday, April 28, with his friend Nick Leckerman from Newton Mearns in aid of Kidney Care UK in a bid to help other patients and families affected by kidney-related conditions.

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Jonny, who has two children Lori and Nate with his wife Julie, said: “Dad struggled for years with kidney failure and we know the affect it has not just on the patient but the loved ones around them. 

“This is a charity really close to all of us and we just wanted to do a small thing to try and make a difference.

“Dad was a real inspiration. 

“He was heavily involved with charities for most of his life and we are keen to carry on in his footsteps and would love to support others who are faced with a similar situations to what we went through as a family.

“He was a real role model. 

“He was one of those people who just always had a smile on his face. 

“Growing up, he always encouraged me to work hard, help others who may be less fortunate, and generally a good all round person. 

“Nick and I feel that taking on a challenge like the London Marathon really honours those values which were so important to him.

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“I did the Edinburgh Marathon 10 years ago when I was healthier and it was never my plan to do it again. But we are proud to do our bit for a fantastic charity like Kidney Care UK.”

Mr Hecht and Mr Leckerman have already smashed their £4,000 fundraising target, with almost 100 people digging deep for their efforts.

Kidney Care UK provides support for kidney patients across the UK. It helps more than 100 patients every week and invests more than £2million every year to support patients and their families.

Robert Hope, head of fundraising, said: “It’s an honour to know Jonny and Nick want to take on such a challenge in memory of George, and we’ll be there supporting them every single step of the way.”