It’s often said that God hates a coward. So 24-year-old Edward McDonagh has nothing to worry about.

Aged nine, Mr McDonagh was involved in a car crash, resulting in him having only the use of his right arm and leg.

Yet next weekend, Mr McDonagh, from Bicester, will be the first ever wheelchair user in the Blenheim 7km race Having started training three months ago, he has already increased his stamina from racing one mile to four and on the day will be accompanied by support worker and trainer Jonathan Watson.

This kind of dedication, determination and yes, pluck, is precisely what typifies a true hero.

So if you can, make a date in your diary and turn up to cheer him along. It’s the least he deserves.