Wolves fans' favourite Alex Rae taking on London Marathon for charity cause

Rae, who was part of the Wolves squad that beat Sheffield 3-0 in 2002 First Division play-off final, said completing the 26.2-mile challenge had always been on his bucket list.

The Scottish international, who also turned out for Rangers, Dundee and Sunderland, will be supporting Scotland’s veterans and their spouses, who live in Erskine’s four care homes and in cottages on the charity’s Veterans Village, in Bishopton.

The Rangers Supporters Erskine Appeal is backing Rae's challenge after securing shirt sponsorship from Simms Funeral Directors in Glasgow and Vital Human Resources, in Bellshill, while Joma have generously donated his running kit.

Rae, who joined Wolves as part of a £10 million spending spree in 2001 – along with Nathan Blake, Mark Kennedy, Shaun Newton, Colin Cameron and Kenny Miller – recently visited The Erskine Home to meet some of the residents his fundraising will support.

He said: “This will be my first marathon and it is a privilege to be running it for Erskine. It is a terrific charity.

"Erskine’s veterans have given so much for us I feel this is my opportunity to give something back to them.

"A lot of the clubs I have played for over the years have had a strong connection with the military."

Rae, aged 50, said he was following a 20-week training programme and was looking forward to the challenge, which takes place on April 26.

Erskine’s head of fundraising and communications Sara Bannerman added: “We are delighted Alex has chosen to support Erskine by running the London Marathon.

"We wish him all the very best with his training and on the big day. We will definitely be cheering him on up here in Scotland.

"It is thanks to people like Alex we are able to care for and assist almost 1,000 veterans each year through our nursing homes, accommodation, activities and employment support.”

To support the charity marathon challenge, go to Virgin Money Giving Page and search for Alex Rae.