TWO brothers are preparing to take on one of the world’s most famous races this weekend – driven by love, loss and a powerful legacy that began in Salisbury.

Titus and Magnus Chapple will run the London Marathon on Sunday in memory of their brother Horatio, 15 years after his death.

They are aiming to raise at least £20,000 for Horatio’s Garden: a charity born from Horatio’s vision to create peaceful garden spaces for people recovering from life-changing spinal injuries.

Aspiring doctor Horatio was just 17 when he died in 2011, but his idea – inspired by volunteering at Salisbury’s spinal treatment centre – has since grown into a national charity, with gardens at eight NHS centres and another on the way.

Now, his brothers are taking on 26.2 miles to keep that legacy growing.

Training has been guided by Pete Reed, a three-time Olympic gold medallist who became paralysed in 2019 and later an ambassador for the charity.

Titus, Pete and Magnus will be thinking of Horatio every mile.

“Although we aren’t natural runners, we’re giving it a go – and with Pete as our motivational coach, we hope to at least cross the finish line,” the brothers said.

“The marathon is going to be tough, but it’s nothing compared to the challenges people with spinal injuries face every single day.

“We’ve seen first-hand the difference Horatio’s Gardens make for people and their families. Access to nature isn’t a luxury – it’s a lifeline.

“We’re doing this for everyone facing the tough reality of a spinal cord injury and for our brother Horatio.

“We wish he was here to run with us.”

For Pete, Horatio’s Garden is a very special and personal charity.

He explained: “The gardens support and nurture people living through change, challenge, loss, trauma and the hardest days imaginable after a spinal cord injury.

“Not with platitudes, but with beauty, calm, dignity and a space to breathe.”

From nerves to determination, the brothers admit the challenge is daunting.

Titus said: “I’m feeling a bit daunted by the challenge I’ve somehow agreed to but didn’t want to be out done by my little brother.

“Dig deep now and come and cheer us on! We’re going to need it.”

Their message is simple — every mile run will help others find hope in the toughest of times.

To donate and find out more, visit horatiosgarden.org.uk/londonmarathon26