A research scientist from Bow is in training for the London Marathon because he wants to raise money for the charity which funds his work.

Dr John Broad, a bowel cancer specialist, is planning to donate all his sponsorship money to the Bowel and Cancer Research charity, which is based at the

National Centre for Bowel Research and Surgical Innovation at Queen Mary University London in Whitechapel.

The 29-year-old, of Devons Road, said: “I see a lot of people with bowel cancer and their courage is inspirational.

“When we go and see patients it puts a lot of things into perspective. Without their generosity we wouldn’t be able to do the work we do. I wanted to give something back.”

The doctor admits he’s not an athlete and says training for the race, which will take place on April 21, has been a “challenge”.

The charity’s chief executive, Deborah Gilbert, said: “We’re extremely grateful to John - not just for his fundraising, but for his invaluable research work.”

Anyone who wants to sponsor Dr Broad should visit www.justgiving.com/john-broad.