A BROMSGROVE man is preparing to run the London Marathon.

Neil Sharma is taking part in the 26.2 mile challenge on Sunday, April 26.

The 36-year-old, a ear, nose and throat surgeon at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, is taking part in the world famous event to raise money for the Get Ahead Charitable Trust.

The charity is dedicated to fighting head and neck cancer and other diseases by raising awareness, education, medical research, and purchasing vital medical equipment the NHS cannot afford.

The Stoke Heath resident said: "It is a charity close to my heart as we treat these patients all the time, plus I'm also involved in the research at the hospital."

Neil said that in the spirit of the charity, he will running dressed as a giant nose in an attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon dressed as a human organ.

"The record stands at three hours, 37 minutes - a pretty sharp time even without wearing a costume," Neil said.

"Training has been going well.

"I've been getting up early to run into work, instead of training at the weekend."

So far Neil has raised £1,000 towards a £2,000 target for the charity.

Anyone who wants to make a donation to his fundraising run can do so on his fundraising website, http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NeilSharma.