Keen runner Trevor Cox will get his first taste of the London Marathon this weekend, having been accepted into the race after years of failed entrance attempts.

The 38-year-old started road running with friends six years ago and has been applying to the famous marathon ever since, but until now has been unsuccessful.

He intends to make the most of the opportunity this Sunday by raising as much money as possible for the Cardiomyopathy Association in memory of a friend who died from the heart condition.

Mr Cox, of Longleat Close, Flitwick, said: "It has always been an ambition of mine and I'm very pleased I will be able to raise money for a charity that has supported a close friend of the family.

"Training has been going very well, although all the snow we had in February didn't help too much, and I am hoping to finish in four hours 15 minutes."

His wife Wendy's friend lost her partner to the condition ten years ago, and other friends have run the race in previous years for the same charity.

Cardiomyopathy is an inherited heart condition and is the biggest medical cause of sudden death in people aged under 35.

Around four young people in the UK die from it each week, but when it is found and properly treated most of those affected can go on to live a long and full life.

The father-of-two added: "The Cardiomyopathy Association may not be the most well known charity, and that's part of the reason I am supporting them, but they do great work and Wendy and I have friends who have been impacted by Cardiomyopathy."

As well as providing support and information to affected families, the Cardiomyopathy Association also provides education for doctors and nurses, funds clinical care and campaigns for better care and gene testing for patients.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Mr Cox can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com /trevorcox