David ready to outrun the giant bananas

David had to endure being overtaken by Uncle Bulgaria from the TV series during last year's 26.2-mile race around the capital.

A cracked knee incurred in the final weeks of training damaged his hopes of getting under four hours for the first time in a marathon.

This year promises to be different for his fourth marathon. Training has gone well and David is hopeful that his personal best of 4hrs 2mins and 52secs will be broken on Sunday.

That should mean the big fluffy creatures who populate the route along with the likes of giant bananas and Elvis should be left trailing in his wake.

David (46), of Guernsey Farm Lane, said: 'I started off during the marathon as a challenge in my 40th year.

'I have gone back since then because of the buzz you get from the crowd. That level of support is what keeps me wanting to do it again.'

He will have a very personal reason for doing well in his latest marathon. He will be raising money for the British Kidney Patient Association in memory of his aunt, Susan Holdgate.

'Auntie Sue endured many years of dialysis and was able to use dialysis facilities provided by the charity when she visited family and friends.

'A transplant improved her quality of life for several years, but after a period of illness, she died in March 2005,' he explained.

'She had a great sense of fun and could fill a room with laughter. She would think I was a bit mad doing this for a fourth time but proud it was for a cause close to her heart.'

As well as holiday help, the BKPA provides support, advice and financial help to young and old kidney patients.

Trading standards officer David has prepared for his latest marathon with three training runs a week of up to 20 miles a time, a weekly session of circuit training and playing badminton once a week.

Sponsorship offers should be made to the www.justgiving.com/david-brown website.