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Please note that this article is from a previous issue of the magazine – some information may have changed since the publication date. Virgin Money cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of this content.

"I won a place in the Chicago Marathon through my credit card"
"I won a place in the Chicago Marathon through my credit card"

Virgin London Marathon Credit Card customer Dave Whitehead talks about the benefits of having a Virgin London Marathon Credit Card

What first attracted you to the Virgin London Marathon Credit Card?

I had already run four London Marathons, so the marathon aspect appealed to me, but mostly it was the fact that it offers at least 0.8% cashback for charity (Editor’s note: you can increase your charity donation to 1% with Gift Aid, if you’re eligible).

Through using my card for everyday spending for the last few years, and teaming it up with donations from friends and family, I‘ve raised about £5,000 for the charity Bliss, the special baby care charity.

An extra benefit of the card is that for every penny I spend on it I get Marathon Miles. Every three months Virgin Money enter Marathon Miles earners into a draw to win running-related prizes – last year I was lucky enough to win a place in the Chicago Marathon. As part of the prize my wife and I were able to enjoy a four-night break in the city.

What prompted you to choose to support the charity Bliss using your Virgin London Marathon Credit Card?

Bliss is a special charity to my wife Angela and I because our daughter Alisha was born 11 weeks prematurely weighing 1lb 4oz. Alisha was in the Blackpool Victoria Hospital special care baby unit from the day she was born until we lost her aged 33 days.

We were so impressed with the care and attention she received while in the unit that we decided to raise funds for vital equipment.

Would you recommend the Virgin London Marathon Credit Card to friends?

Absolutely. The application was simple and quick, the card is easy to use – I use it for everyday spending and holidays – and it gives me the opportunity to win great prizes such as places in marathons all over the world, plus other running-related prizes such as group training sessions and Adidas products.

How was the Chicago Marathon?

I was so shocked when I found out I’d won that I thought some pals were winding me up and I nearly threw the letter in the bin.

My wife and I had been to America a few times before, but never to Chicago. The prize included return flights there for both of us as well as four nights’ accommodation and £1,000 spending money. So before the marathon itself, we were able to do quite a bit of sightseeing in Chicago including going up the John Hancock tower and visiting the Magnificent Mile, a long avenue of shops.

On the day of the marathon itself, the weather was very hot – 82 degrees. That was fine for Angela but hotter than I’m used to while running!

There was a great atmosphere and Angela saw me at the start and again at the finish. I finished in 4 hours and 23 minutes, which I was pleased with considering I lost 12 weeks of training because of a torn calf muscle.

Chicago is a lovely city and the whole trip was a fantastic experience.

Do you raise money for charity when running marathons?

Yes, I raise funds for Bliss through my marathon running as well as through my Virgin London Marathon Credit Card.

I am very lucky to have many generous friends and family who don’t mind giving again and again.

After this year's Virgin London Marathon, will you be doing any more running?

I have never run