AS a schoolboy Simon Whittaker detested cross country running. Despite being given a head start he always finished last.

Now Simon, 34, is having nightmares about finishing at the back in the London Marathon.

The Atherton account executive has entered the world's biggest marathon as a one off personal challenge and to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

Simon, of Worthing Grove, said: 'My ultimate horror is finishing behind the man in the diving suit who came in last last year."

His chose to run for this charity because his life has been touched by the disease.

He said: "My mum Jennifer and my girlfiend's auntie had successful treatment for bowel cancer and my girlfiend's mum fought off breast cancer but unfortunately died following a heart by-pass operation.

"More money should be directed at research so that we can cure cancer faster. It is hoped runners will raise £1.5m this year."

Simon, who plays golf and badminton, also raises money for asthma research. He has done a fund raising parachute jump and last year bungee jumped off a railway bridge in France to raise £800.

He said: "Many family members suffer from asthma and as I am lucky to be ailment free I thought I may as well try to help those worse off.

"I enjoy a personal challenge, but I'm finding training for the marathon, and coming in covered in frost after a 5am run, a bit tough."