Yeovil man set to run London Marathon for Lord's Taverners

Connor Hyde, from Yeovil, will take on the 26.2-mile race later this month to raise money for the Lord's Taverners, a charity that supports disabled and disadvantaged young people through sport.

The 25-year-old has wanted to run the marathon for many years but said he thought it would only ever be a dream due to his condition.

Donations can be made to Connor's cause at donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/connors-dream.

Connor has been supported by the charity for five years and was introduced to cricket through the charity's Super 1s programme.

He said: "I had never picked up a cricket bat before I went to my local session, but within a couple of months, I was hooked.

"My coaches Damian, Amber, Sean and Somerset Foundations Steve Gass have been the most amazing, supportive and helpful people and with their encouragement I started my own journey into coaching.

"I passed my foundation training and training for Allstars and Dynamo’s and I am now working towards my level two core coaching.

"I coach at Yeovil Allstars and Dynamo’s and Over 50s, Ilton under 12s and ladies.

"I have also been selected to play for Somerset Disabled County Cricket."

Connor said his love of cricket and the Lord's Taverners charity "changed his life."

He added: "I can’t thank the Lord Taveners enough for the opportunity's, support and encouragement from everyone.

"It has truly changed my life, I have made hundreds of friends, developed new skills and my confidence has improved dramatically."

Connor was awarded the Lord's Taverners Inspire Award in 2023, and met England cricketer Chris Woakes when picking up his prize.

He also received a Sport Gives Back award last year and was invited to a ceremony where he met Woakes again, as well as Frank Lampard and Sir Mo Farah.

Connor is now asking for donations to help him reach his £7,500 target for the charity and help him achieve his dream of completing the marathon in under four hours.

He has already received good luck messages from England Rugby World Cup winners Martin Johnson and Jonny Wilkinson.