A CITY supermarket boss is looking to better his last London Marathon while raising cash for a cause close to his heart.

Steve Winfield, 45, is ready for round two with the 26.2-mile event returned to its spring slot on Sunday, April 21 after tackling the famous run in October 2022.

Last time he raised cash for the British Heart Foundation through his job as store manager at Tesco in St Peter’s.

But this time the cause will be more personal for the father-of-four who is well-known on the football scene around Worcester.

Steve, of Kempsey, said: “This year I am supporting the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children).

“I cannot watch or read anything to do with children being hurt as it really upsets me.

“So I want to support this charity as best as I can.”

He continued: “As a father of four children who are my world, knowing that a child will contact Childline every 45 seconds on average horrifies me.

“I know children are the future and every child deserves a childhood free from abuse.

“This is why NSPCC continues to work to keep children safe and prevent abuse. Running for #TeamNSPCC gives me the opportunity to help as much as I can.”

Steve managed highly-successful Worcester Sunday football side Callow End to league and cup glory as well as playing for the villagers and also for Kempsey over the years.

He continued: “During Covid lockdown I decided I wanted to lose a bit of weight and that’s what led me to start running.

“As well as doing the London Marathon in 2022 I did the 2023 Great North Run and an ultramarathon.

"I really feel like running has given me a new lease of life. I think I’m as fit now as I’ve ever been.

“It’s as much for my own mental health as well as for my physical wellbeing.”

Steve is looking to step up his pace at the TCS London Marathon and says he will be happy with around “three hours 45 minutes”.

He added: “A couple of years ago I ran it (London) for the British Heart Foundation for Tesco and I really wanted to do it again.

“I didn’t feel like I got round as quickly as I could so I have set myself a target. And this one is for me in terms of who I’m raising money for.

“I wanted to do three-and-a-half hours and was flying but after 20 miles I hadn’t fuelled my body enough, had cramp and couldn’t run.

“So I ended up crawling, walking and running over the line in three hours 54 minutes!

"This time I’m hoping to do better.

“But, having said that, just getting the run done is an accomplishment in itself and this time I will see my kids at the end when we finish and we’ll go for a meal. They weren’t there last time.”

The NSPCC is also the 2024 charity partner for the Worcester News’ owner Newsquest Media Group.

People can support Steve through his fundraising page at 2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/steve-winfield

He has raised more than £1,100 so far and is hoping to get a sponsor per mile so he can add each name to his running kit.