A BAKER from Lymm has confirmed that he will be running in this year's Flora London Marathon in aid of a leading leukaemia charity.

Philip Sexton, company director of Sexton's Village Bakery on Eagle Brow, hopes to raise £2,000 for UK charity Children with Leukaemia, in what will be his first ever marathon.

Mr Sexton, who will be 48 at the time of the marathon, said: "I decided to get involved to get fit and set myself a target. I've had five years of doing no exercise and I'm hoping to lose two and a half stones."

On the day, Mr Sexton will join a team of more than 1,000 runners taking part for Children with Leukaemia, including six people in huge Mr Men and Little Miss costumes.

Leukaemia is the most common form of childhood cancer, with children under five accounting for half the cases.

Children with Leukaemia was set up by Eddie and Marion O'Gorman after the death of their son, Paul, aged 14.

Just nine months later, they lost their daughter Jean to cancer.

Children with Leukaemia is now the UK's leading charity dedicated exclusively to the conquest of childhood leukaemia through pioneering research, new treatment and family support.

Mr Sexton added: "I'm pleased to be running for Children with Leukaemia because we're a family business and children are close to our heart."

l To sponsor Mr Sexton, call the bakery on 753669 or for more information about the marathon visit www.london-marathon.co.uk