John Morrissey's 33rd birthday celebrations this year will have to be less raucous than usual as he is running the London Marathon just four days later.

The former Watford Irish manager is planning to celebrate his birthday the week after the marathon, hopefully in a good mood if a bit sore after completing the 26.2 mile course in his target time of 3h45mins.

John, from Garston Drive, Watford, says he has always dreamed of running the London Marathon, and giving up smoking in January 2006 has given him the impetus to compete this year.

The charity John is running for is very close to his heart.

He said: "I have two boys the youngest of whom, Kenny, was born in July 2004 with a very rare chromosome disorder, resulting in severe global physical and developmental delay.

"It seemed more than appropriate to run in aid of Unique, a charity of which we are members and who offer invaluable support and comfort to families of children with rare genetic conditions.

"Prior to my training schedule, I had not been that active for a period of two years. Many people might know me through football circles. I played Watford Observer Sunday football for a ten-year period for Watford Irish, serving as manager for two years during that time.

"My training started in earnest in January and since that time I have steadily gone from five mile runs to my long Sunday runs of 18 miles including the Berkhamsted half marathon in March. All the hard work is done now and I hope to complete the marathon in 3h45mins."

Donate to Unique via John's website at www.justgiving.com/johnmorrissey or send cheques to 27 Garston Drive, Watford, Herts, WD25 9LB.