Ramsgate's Rick Howells will be putting on his running shoes this month as he takes part in the London Marathon.

The 42-year-old in taking part in the run for the first time, in aid of Coeliac UK.

The charity, for people with coeliac disease, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Mr Howells said: "I am running the London Marathon this year to raise awareness of the disease and to raise funds for Coeliac UK because both my two step children have coeliac disease and I see the daily struggles they suffer and it's great that Coeliac UK will be there cheering for us on the day.

"This will be my first marathon and I hope to finish it in under four and a half hours and aim to raise £2,000 for the charity come the big day.

"I am very happy to do my bit to raise awareness of coeliac disease by running the marathon.

"If it means that just one more person thinks that it's worth getting tested as a result then that would be fantastic.

"For many years I've entered the London Marathon but never successful.

"This year Coeliac UK has given me a fantastic opportunity, and in return I have to raise what in the bigger picture is a small amount of money but will help people live gluten free."

Coeliac disease is a serious autoimmune condition caused by a reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.

People diagnosed with it must maintain and strict gluten free diet for the rest of their life if they are to avoid very serious complications such as osteoporosis, infertility, and although rare, small bowel cancer.

So far Mr Howells has managed to raised more than £1,800 for the charity ahead of the marathon on Sunday, April 22.

To sponsor Rick, click here