Somerset Freemason, Mike Norton, is preparing to compete in the London Marathon on April 21 to raise money for the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS). The 52-year-old runner decided to support ROS, the UK’s principal charity focusing on the improvement of bone health and tackling osteoporosis, when his aunt was diagnosed with the disease.

Osteoporosis, a silent disease due to its under-diagnosis and public unawareness, causes bones to decrease in strength, therefore breaking more easily.

With an estimated 3.5 million people affected by osteoporosis in the UK, there is a predicted likelihood of half of all women and one in five men developing the condition.

This silent disease causes half a million broken bones every year, costing the NHS an excess of £4.5 billion.

Mr Norton, who resides in Langport, Somerset, is an experienced runner and will clock his 65th marathon when he crosses the finish line outside Buckingham Palace.

Mr Norton's wife, Kate, will also be joining him after securing a spot through the ballot at their running club, Langport Runners.

The Somerset Freemasons have a history of backing the ROS, having granted £50,000 last year via the Masonic Charitable Foundation.

The funds have assisted in supporting the charity's network of Volunteer Support Groups across England and Wales, providing regional aid to those in need.

Mr Norton said: "Both my aunt and a close friend from my running club have osteoporosis, so it’s a cause very close to my heart.

"Being a veteran marathon runner, I already do a fair few miles, but I also started a training plan with my wife at the start of the year.

"I’ve had a couple of bouts of illness during the training period but battled on as best as I could."

He further added: "As a proud Somerset Freemason I was aware that the Province have already supported ROS for some time, and the opportunity came up for a potential place at the London Marathon which I was grateful to accept.

"I hope that my fundraising efforts will help to support with those living with the condition and their families."

The fundraising events manager from the ROS, Karlie Evans, expressed her gratitude to Mr Norton's diligent fundraising efforts, saying: "We’re so grateful to Mike for his incredible fundraising efforts and dedication to his marathon training.

"We’re delighted that he chose to mark his 65th marathon by running for the ROS, and wish both him and Kate the very best of luck for the day."

To help Mr Norton's fundraising endeavours, you can donate by visiting https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/michael-norton.