Former Advertiser sports editor Ian Henderson will be rolling back the years when he tackles the London Marathon at the end of April.

He'll be running in aid of Cancer Research UK in what is his first marathon since taking part in the inaugural Southampton event in 1983.

But Ian, 68, says he's confident of completing the 26 mile course.

“I've always kept running in half marathons and 10K runs for various charities over the years and have also completed the ten mile Great South Run on three occasions.

“I'm still pretty fit and am out training on the roads twice a week to increase my distance in advance of the race,” said Ian.

“I'm doing this now because my partner is suffering from breast cancer and two of my best friends have recently lost their lives to this awful disease.

“Cancer Research have entered me and set me a target of raising a minimum sponsorship of £2,000 for them.

“I'm already past the £2,000 mark, thanks largely to my many friends and relatives.

“I may not be chasing the top international runners who'll be competing among the 40,000 entry but I'll certainly get over the finishing line in as good a time as I can manage.”

Anyone wishing to sponsor Ian's run can contact him at hendersonian46@gmail.com