A MAN from Prestatyn will be flying the flag for the town in the Tokyo marathon after forgetting he had even signed up for it.

David Ellis, 40, put his name into the ballot last August not expecting to get a place, when a surprise message arrived before Christmas telling him he’d won one of only 2,000 places for overseas athletes.

He only started running two years ago to get healthier and has even dropped three stone in the process.

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The assistant manager at Jackson’s Garden Centre, Trelawnyd, David said: “It was a bit of a surprise, really, as I’d completely forgotten I’d entered it.

“Luckily, I’d been training four times a week and had completed the Chester and Manchester marathons last year, so am actually looking forward to it.”

David will be raising money in sponsorship for Hope House Tŷ Gobaith Children’s Hospices, of whom his employer has been a long-time supporter.

He added: “It was through that connection and my support of their shop in Flint that I decided to choose the hospices as my charity.

“I really respect what they do for families in the area and my future races will be for them too.”

David’s number one fan is his 13 year-old son, Jayden, and they have even adorned their home in the town with Japanese flags.

He said: “Jayden is a great supporter and always comes along to events and training with Prestatyn Running Club where I am captain.

“He’s like the club mascot.”

With the Tokyo Marathon known as a fast and flat race, David is hoping for a good time, and the expected 12°C weather will certainly help the 37,000 runners get through it easier.

The event takes place on March 3, and David will be flying out to Tokyo on February 28 to get set, and then see some of Japan’s sights.

If you would like to sponsor David, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/david-ellis-1708279823205.