SUPPORTERS of a Winchester charity are preparing to run the Berlin Marathon next month.

The Cameron Bespolka Trust was set up in memory of Cameron, aged 16, a Winchester College pupil killed in an avalanche in the Alps in 2013.

A team of 16, mostly first-time marathon will run the 26.2 mile race in the German capital on September 29.

The proceeds will go to the Field Study Centre next to Cameron’s Cottage in the New Forest in the RSPB reserve near Nomansland. He was a keen bird-watcher and enjoyed spending time on St Catherine’s Hill.

His mother Corinne said: “We are running to remember Cameron and to support a very special cause and this enables us to endure what it takes. Training for a marathon is relentless. It takes time, commitment, strength, pain, injuries, sacrifices and lots and lots of perseverance. We run between 25-60 miles a week which takes up a lot of time, juggling work and family.

“I feel passionate about wildlife and nature. By creating opportunities for young people to be immersed in the natural world, our work will capture the interest of the next generation inspired by a very special young naturalist.”

The runners are: Carl Bespolka, Cameron’s cousin; Corinne Cruickshank, Cameron’s mother; Lars Bespolka, Cameron’s uncle; James Bird,

Cameron’s friend; Rupert Boissier, family friend; Paul Boyd-Leslie, Cameron’s tennis coach; Hugo Hardman, family friend; Christopher Hobbs

family friend; Nils Mugaas, Cameron’s Norwegian cousin; Simon Oakley, Trust supporter; Catherine Prest, family friend; Jonathan Prest,

family friend; Harriet Smailes, Cameron’s friend; Natasha Smailes, Cameron’s friend; Clare Talks, from Cameron’s School; Franca Turner, family friend.

To see how to sponsor the runners or Team Cameron go to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/donation-web/charity?charityId=1015599.