Richard, aged 74, will take part in the event to raise funds for Ricky Moate, 33, from Wincobank, Sheffield who was born with Gastroschisis – a rare condition where the abdomen does not fully develop while in the womb, resulting in the intestines being found outside of the body.
 
Throughout his life, Ricky, who is on a transplant list,  has endured 65 major operations on his abdomen leaving him with Short Bowel Syndrome, which means he does not have enough intestine to sustain his own nutritional needs.
 
Ricky is currently fed intravenously but this procedure is fraught with complications and has left him with only two suitable veins.
 
He is now in need of a new small bowel and abdominal wall – a transplant only recently made possible due to improvements in anti-rejection drugs.
 
Ricky said: “To look at me, you wouldn’t imagine anything was wrong but I’m at a point where this transplant is the only thing that can save my life.
 
“I want to raise awareness of the gift of life that is organ donation – it’s so important to talk to your relatives and let them know your wishes before it’s too late. One person’s organs can save the lives of up to nine people in need.”
 
When there is a suitable transplant candidate for Ricky, he will need to travel 150 miles to Oxford for the procedure. The funds raised will be used to ensure Ricky’s wife, Lisa, will have suitable accommodation and travel while he is in the hospital.
 
Ricky continued: “Lisa is disabled and uses a wheelchair, so I’m aiming to raise enough money to make sure she can be near me, as I don’t want her to have to worry about that while I’m in recovery.
 
“I met Richard Caborn at the Trades and Labour Club on City Road, where we’re both members. When he heard about my story, he offered to help, and I am so grateful for the generosity shown by him, and everyone who has donated so far.
 
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to Richard for helping to raise money and I wish him all the luck for the upcoming race.”
 
Richard added: “Ricky’s story has touched so many people across Sheffield and, as soon as I heard about his transplant and his fundraising efforts to ensure his wife can be with him during his operation, I knew I wanted to help.
 
“Ricky is taking everything in his stride and I am astounded by how positive he continues to be in light of the circumstances he finds himself in.
 
“Organ donation is an incredibly important topic, so I hope Ricky’s story will encourage more people to sign up to the organ donor register and have the important conversation with their loved ones.”
 
The Asda Foundation Sheffield Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 8 April. For more information and to make a donation, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/richard-caborn.