A MAN from Buntingford will be running in the Flora London Marathon barefoot in April to raise money for the National Osteoporosis Society. Stephen Ruff, 50, of Hare Street, hopes to raise £2,000 for the charity which helps those with brittle bones and fu

A MAN from Buntingford will be running in the Flora London Marathon barefoot in April to raise money for the National Osteoporosis Society. Stephen Ruff, 50, of Hare Street, hopes to raise £2,000 for the charity which helps those with brittle bones and funds research into the cause of the disease. "I chose the charity because a young boy in our village has soft bones and I saw the problems he had," he said. Mr Ruff who spends most of his time barefoot said he does not like conforming and instead prefers to do things against the trend. "I was once told by a chiropodist that I had beautiful feet so they aren't something I'm worried about. I work barefoot and walk miles barefoot because I feel confined if I wear shoes. It's my knees and hips I'm hoping will last out." Mr Ruff intends to walk the 26-mile marathon and has been doing power-walking in preparation for the race. "I want to do it in five and-a-half hours," he said. Although Mr Ruff has not taken part in a marathon before, he has done other walks. For the past five years Mr Ruff has taken part in a 14-mile Rogation walk in his parish. "Last year I did it barefoot," he said. Already Mr Ruff has raised £700. If anyone would like to sponsor Mr Ruff as a company or individual, either submit your donation on-line at www.justgiving.com/bigbarefeet or send a cheque to National Osteoporosis Society c/o Well House, Hare Street, near Buntingford, Herts. SG9 9EQ.