Rehau’s company-wide goal is to raise £12,000 for Scope by the end of 2019, with Mr Chownsmith aiming to contribute £2,000 towards the overall total through sponsorship.

Mr Chownsmith is an experienced runner and has completed around 100 marathons over his 30-year running career, with several of these being the London Marathon. His best time at London so far is three hours and 25 minutes.

He said: “It feels great to be able to support a charity as great as Scope. Working together as a team to try and beat our £12,000 target has been an amazing experience for everyone at Rehau. 

“I’m really looking forward to taking part in the London Marathon again, this time for Scope. It’s an iconic event with its huge range of competitors and the way so many people are running for charities. Hopefully I’ll be able to raise lots of money, while also beating my personal best.”

Frank Bowmaker, corporate account manager at Scope, said: “We’re delighted that Laurence is running the London Marathon for us. Scope can only do the amazing work that it does thanks to the generous support we get from our partners and donors.

“Scope is calling on everyone – businesses, politicians and the public – to become ‘Disability Gamechangers’ and share what they are doing to create equality for disabled people. Anyone working to challenge stigma and negative attitudes is a Disability Gamechanger. Change requires action at all levels in society and everyone can play their part.”

Scope was nominated as Rehau’s charity partner in late 2017. The aim of the charity is to achieve a society where all disabled people enjoy equality and fairness. By 2022, Scope hopes to directly reach more than two million disabled people and their families every year with information, advice and support, and will continue to campaign for everyday equality for disabled people.

To support Mr Chownsmith and Scope, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rehauscope