A former firefighter who collected £100,000 on the ITV quiz programme Beat the Chasers has revealed his approach to tackling the London Marathon, just twenty-four hours before the event gets underway.

Gavin Carter, who served in the fire service before triumphing on the game show during August the previous year, said he would draw motivation from the people he intends to help whenever the race becomes tough.

The man, aged 51, is taking part to collect sponsorship for Debra UK, aiming to gather £2,800 for the organisation supporting individuals living with epidermolysis bullosa.

So far, he has obtained £1,794 in pledges. Supporters can contribute via the official donation page.

His connection with the charity began after discovering former footballer Graeme Souness’s fundraising efforts, and he was profoundly moved by the young people managing the condition. He got his place through the public ballot, meaning he had no requirement to run for any particular cause, but this issue resonated deeply with him.

Gavin Carter showing his race number before the London Marathon (Image: Gavin Carter)

Mr Carter will run the London Marathon on Sunday April 26, which comes the day after his 52nd birthday. His wife, companions and child will be cheering him on.

He characterised his training for the 26.2-mile challenge as progressing nicely and stated he was set for it. Should everything go to plan, he aims to complete the course within four hours and fifteen minutes, though he added that simply enjoying the occasion would also be acceptable, having observed the spectacle many times from the sidelines. His objective is to experience the full journey from a competitor’s viewpoint, as it is an incredibly impressive occasion to watch from the crowd, and actually competing is certainly something he has wanted to tick off his wish list.

Former firefighter Gavin Carter is taking part in the London Marathon (Image: Gavin Carter)

Shortly after his win on the ITV quiz show, he left the fire service and thinks his former career might offer some benefit. He believed it helped to some degree with determination and mental strength, although the running fitness element became more significant during the latter stages of his career.

Former firefighter Gavin Carter secured £100K on Beat the Chasers (Image: Gavin Carter)

After his appearance on Beat the Chasers, he revealed that during filming he mostly focused on presenter Bradley Walsh’s ear. However, for the London Marathon, he intends to use a different tactic, following guidance from Mr Souness who dispatched him a video message. Graeme Souness highlighted the situation of these children battling their illness, suggesting that when things get difficult, he should simply think of those little ones.

The day before the London Marathon marks his 52nd birthday, following a twelve-month period in which he won £100,000 on an ITV quiz show and departed from his job. He reflected that it has been a remarkable twelve months, thanking his luck at having time set aside to prepare. He expressed uncertainty about how those doing regular office work find time to get ready for the marathon.

Around 60,000 competitors are expected to line up for tomorrow’s London Marathon, journeying from Greenwich to the finish at Buckingham Palace.