A MAN is to complete the iconic London marathon in support of an ambulance charity.

Bolton resident Sean le Gros, aged 32, has been in training since August last year as he attempts to raise money for St John Ambulance.

He has no experience of long-distance running but is set to complete the Virgin Money London Marathon on 22 April.

The healthcare worker had an operation on his left lung when he was just 20 years old, meaning he now has only half of the regular use of the organ.

However, he feels confident he can complete the enormous challenge.

Mr le Gros said: "I am running for St John Ambulance as I believe they are an excellent organisation who are somewhat underrated by a lot of people who may not know exactly what they do to help day to day events and activities.

"This is my first marathon and the first of any sort of any distance running I have ever attempted. I started training back in August 2017 having done no running since school. My first run was just over 1 mile and I was exhausted at the end of it, it probably didn't help that I was smoking 20 cigarettes a day.

"Now I have stopped smoking completely and also do a lot of cycling and strength and core building exercises."

He is aiming to complete the race in under five hours.

A JustGiving page has been set up to help raise sponsorship for the run and has reached more than 40% of its £1,800 target.

Last year's marathon saw 160 people compete on behalf of St John Ambulance, raising £270,000 for the charity.

The organisation helps more than 400,000 people learn how to save lives each year but relies largely on public donations to continue operating.

More information and details on sponsorship can be found here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/seansmarathonchallenge.