`Quantum of Solace` assistant director completes London marathon for charity

A charity set up in memory of a High Wycombe man who died on a Latvian stag holiday has raised more than £50,000, reports ThisIsBucks.

Julian Budd, 33, a married a father-of-one from School Close, High Wycombe, died in August last year from an acute infection in his throat which stopped him breathing.

His parents, Roger and Pamela Budd set up 'Julian Budd Children in Sport' to allow disadvantaged and disabled children to enjoy sport in memory of their son - who was a keen sportsman.

This follows the efforts of Toby Hefferman, a school friend of Mr Budd, who recently ran the London marathon for the charity and raised more than £12,000.

Mr Hefferman, 34, who works as second assistant director on the new James Bond film Quantum of Solace, said training on location was difficult.

He said: "I was in Panama where some of the locations were a little dangerous to go running in. I did it when I could and just about managed it."

Mr Hefferman, a married father-of-one, added: "It's just to make a difference in whatever areas we can. Now I have a child I recognise the difference a lot more.

"If the charity can grow it would be great."

He completed the race in four hours and two minutes and was cheered on by Julian's parents.

Julian Budd previously ran the marathon in 2001 for a children's leukaemia charity.

Now the family are hoping to find a school or community group in the area that the charity can help.

Mr Budd said: "Unfortunately there are too many youngsters in the UK who love sport and desperately want to participate but do not get a change due to their personal circumstances.

"The trust will look to support both able and disabled youngsters between the ages of five and 15 years in this objective."

But their fundraising efforts will continue with a golf day and football matches planned, he said.

"We're going to see if we can tie up with any local schools to fundraise," Mr Budd added.

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