A leading Formula One journalist is swapping the fast lane for the running lane as he tackles the London Marathon for his Hospice.

Will Buxton is used to travelling the world, talking trackside to the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

But in April he will tackle a road race slower than anything he has covered – and one well out of his comfort zone.

‘I’ve never run that far in my life,’ he said.

‘I’m very nervous about it, but my six-year-old daughter is really excited.

‘It’ll be a great incentive knowing I can see her at the finish line.’

Will has been involved in the highest levels of global motor racing for over a decade and a half.

Formerly the commentator on GP2 and GP3 motorsport for Sky Sports he is now the Formula One pit lane reporter for NBC in the United States.

He says by far the biggest incentive for completing the marathon is to raise money and awareness for St Michael’s Hospice near Hereford where his dad, Bill, died last September.

‘From his first moments at St Michael’s Hospice, Dad felt safe and we knew that he would have his every need tended to,’ said Will, whose dad lived in Cradley.

‘He ate like a king, sat in the sun in the glorious grounds, played with his granddaughter and was truly, deeply happy.

‘We will never be able to thank the amazing staff at St Michael’s Hospice for the dignity and genuine love and affection they showed him and us in his final days. It was more than any of us ever expected.

‘It’s amazing how happy he was there, and how much of a difference it made to everyone in those last few days.

‘As soon as I knew I’d be running the marathon, raising money for St Michael’s was a natural and easy choice. The Hospice is almost entirely publicly funded, and I’d love to be able to help in some way to ensure that other families are assured the same incredible care and affection that we were shown.’

Will is due to be in Australia, China and Bahrain to provide coverage of the first F1 races of 2017 before flying back to the UK for the 26-mile marathon.

It’s a tiring schedule, but one he says he revels in.

‘It is a wonderful job,’ said Will. ‘I get to live my boyhood dream every other week by travelling the world and interviewing the biggest names in F1. Pre-season testing begins in February , so I’ll see if I can’t grab a few of them to sponsor me too.’

The London Marathon takes place on Sunday, 23rd April.

To donate to Will, click here

If Will’s marathon exploits have inspired you to get running, why not enter the Hereford Festival of Running on May 14.

The event features four distances; the Hereford Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K.

Click here for more information or call the Hospice Events team on 01432 851 000.

• Photos on this page courtesy of James Moy Photography.