When it comes to inspiring his students Billingham teacher, Andrew Featherstone, knows how to lead by example.

The Geography teacher at SRC Bede Sixth Form has signed up for the Virgin Money London Marathon and hopes to make the challenge a personal best.

It’s not the first time the former Stockton lad has tackled the 26.2-miler, but this time he has his sights firmly set on crossing the line in under four hours.

Having faced his own ongoing battle with ME he said: “It does mean a lot to me as the ME had a real impact on my running.

“To achieve a personal best would represent a return to my pre ME days when I used to be a lot faster.”

For Andrew, who runs with the Sedgefield Harriers Athletics Club, running started as a bit of a hobby, a way to lose some weight and get fit.

Quickly bitten by the running bug, he found himself pushing further and further. Today he trains up to five times a week, with a typical run varying anywhere from three to 13 miles.

Being diagnosed with ME in 2010, a disorder of the nervous system, came as a bitter blow, but the 33-year-old says support from his family, friends and colleagues, have helped him to manage the condition.

Now in training for the race which takes place on April 24, Andrew has set himself a target time of three hours 53 minutes.

“I first did the London Marathon in 2014 and completed it in four hours, five minutes and 12 seconds,” he said. “Now I want to make this one a personal best.”

The teacher will run for mental health charity Mind, SRC Bede Sixth Form’s Student Council’s chosen charity for the year.

“Having had to deal with stress, low mood and depression due to ME I want to support the vital work Mind do to raise awareness of mental health,” he said.

“Just because we are afraid to talk about mental health doesn’t mean it will go away.”

Andrew has already got his students involved in his training, setting up a weekly College running group.

“Running has so many benefits, it helps you to get fit, there can be a great social side and releasing those endorphins it can be a great stress relief.”

To sponsor Andrew visit: www.justgiving.com/feathersrunslondon