An Abbots Langley man will undergo the ultimate test of endurance as he runs 26.2 miles as part of the largest London Marathon team.

On Sunday, Neil Hickey, of Abbots Road, will run his first ever marathon in support of Children with Leukaemia.

For the race, he will be dressed in a Mr Tickle t-shirt, as part of the 1,200-strong Mr Men and Little Miss team.

Their aim, he said, it to each raise more than £2,000 for charity.

The 45-year-old father-of-one said: "Before this, my attitude was you should only run when you're being chased.

"I had never run more than a mile, and that was on a treadmill in a gym.

“But now, I'm about as ready as I'm going to be."

Mr Hickey, convinced friends to join him in the London to Cambridge bike ride a few years ago.

As payback for the saddle sores, he found himself completing the Abbots Tough Ten and Watford and Berkhamstead Half Marathons.

And for the past ten years, he has taken part in annual bike rides, raising £1,000 for Breast Cancer Research.

He said: "Nobody wants to see sick children and so anything that makes life easier for them as they go through various stages of illness is brilliant.

"If we can help with that and take money from people who won't miss it, that's great."

Following months of early mornings and weekend runs, Mr Hickey is now resting until the big day.

He said he has reached 22 miles in training and hopes the adrenaline takes him through the final four.

He added: "I am very nervous and am sure it will be my first and last marathon because the training is so intense.

"It completely encroaches on family life and social life - all areas have been affected.

"I don't want to whinge because I know I'll recover from any aches and pains.

“But what I'm most looking forward to having is a beer. I haven't had one for a month."

For more information about the charity visit: http://www.leukaemia.org/