CONKERS Parkrun regular Mark Nugent is to take part in the London Marathon next year - to raise funds for the National Forest.

That is because his running journey began in the surroundings of the National Forest near Moira, which is where Mark first found his stride nine years ago.

Now, he is running for the National Forest, raising awareness and funds to support the vital green space.

It was December, 2015, when Mark, along with his daughter Laura, took part in their first parkrun at Conkers.

As part of Laura's Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, they ventured out, not knowing it would spark a passion that would change both their lives.

Mark said: "Horrible hills, sweat, and tears – and not all mine - but it set us on a journey."

Laura went on to complete her Gold Award, while Mark kept going, logging more than 368 parkruns at 74 different venues across the UK, along with an impressive 197 volunteer stints.

Mark now runs or walks each week with his wife Nicky and volunteers.

He added: "Now, 367 runs later, my addiction to parkrun is stronger than ever."

Mark also played a pivotal role in the local parkrun community as a run director at Swad Junior parkrun and is preparing for an exciting new chapter as the event director of Coronation Park parkrun, set to launch near Burton-on-Trent in the new year.

But his passion for running did not stop at parkrun. In 2022, he joined the local running club, Swad Joggers, and quickly immersed himself in helping others achieve their running goals.

After completing both co-leader and UKA LiRF (Leadership in Running Fitness) training, Mark became a group leader, typically guiding the top group on six-mile runs twice a week.

But it did not quite all go to plan.

Mark explained: "Everything was going very well until an unfortunate accident on November 10, 2022. "

While leading a six-mile group run, he tripped over a lip in the pavement, cracking the lower leg bone from knee to ankle.

He added: "I was off my feet for weeks, in a cast and on crutches, but I was determined to finish the year strong."

And he did just that. On New Year's Eve, with his leg still in a cast and on crutches, Mark showed up at Alvaston parkrun, completing the course and feeling an enormous sense of achievement.

Despite the physical and mental challenges, Mark's perseverance saw him return to parkrun the next day – New Year's Day 2023 – and he has not missed a week since, except for holidays in places without parkruns.

Having spent countless hours running within the National Forest, Mark has developed a deep connection with the area.

He said: "It's where I first started running, and now I want to give back by running for the National Forest."

With the 2025 London Marathon set to coincide with his 60th birthday, this milestone race represents a personal and philanthropic challenge.

Mark has entered the London Marathon ballot nine times without success.

He said: "I've been trying for almost a decade, and now, finally, I get to achieve this bucket list goal and celebrate my 60th birthday in a meaningful way."

By running the London Marathon, Mark hopes to raise much-needed funds to help maintain and expand the National Forest, ensuring future generations can enjoy its natural beauty, just as he did during his running journey.

He said: "I've completed 23 half marathons, but never a full marathon. It's time."

You can donate to Mark's London Marathon journey HERE.