CHARITY worker Adam Winkworth will tackle the London Marathon dressed as a giant blue telephone.

The 27-year-old from Newton Abbot is using the 26.2mile run to raise money and awareness for Age UK’s national telephone services.

This will be Adam’s third consecutive year running the London Marathon for Age UK, but this year’s challenge is especially meaningful.

Through his role managing Age UK’s Telephone Friendship Service, Adam has seen first-hand how powerful a simple phone call can be for older people who may be lonely or isolated.

He said: ‘For many older people, it’s more than just a call — it’s a genuine lifeline.

‘These calls bring comfort, laughter, connection and hope to people who might otherwise feel forgotten or alone.’

Adam is using the eye-catching costume to shine a spotlight on the friendship calls, helpline and advice services that Age UK provides nationally, and hopes the unusual outfit will help spark conversations about loneliness in later life.

The run also has a personal significance.

Adam is running in honour of his grandmother and in memory of his late grandfather-in-law, both of whom benefitted from Age UK’s telephone services.

To make the fundraiser even more meaningful, Adam is inviting members of the public to add the face of a loved one — such as a parent or grandparent — onto the side of his costume in return for a donation.

Each face will “run” the marathon with him, celebrating the people who matter most and the importance of staying connected.

Adam is aiming to raise £2,000 to support Age UK’s work helping older people across the UK.