BARNABY Johns from Clifton-on-Teme is training for the London Marathon and will soon be running in his father's footsteps to raise cash for the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability in Putney.

He said: "My father ran the event 15 years ago and I am out to beat his time of four hours. I am a keen rower and physically fit but this hasn't really helped my running.

"I recently ran about 13 miles, so I feel on good form as long I don't get an injury. Running around Worcester is fine but the hills around Clifton-on-Teme are less comfortable."

Twenty-one people make up the team running for the hospital, and money from sponsorship will be used to publicise the pioneering work of the Royal's staff and support referrals from other hospitals.

Barnaby, who works at the hospital, confirmed: "Sadly, more than one million people will attend a hospital somewhere, suffering from head injury or a variety of brain disease, many will be referred to us for rehabilitation, disability management or long-term care and I have pledged to raise £2,000 for the cause."

The Royal Hospital is a charity independent of the NHS. Director of Fund-raising, Guz Daley, said: "We rely on public generosity to carry out and expand our pioneering work and I really admire Barnaby."

Donations and sponsorship for the Barnaby Johns Marathon Run can be sent to Rachel Jones, Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, West Hill, Putney, SW15 3SW.