A man who doesn't like running will attempt the equivalent of six marathons in six days in the Sahara Desert in a bid to raise over £3,650.

James King-Patarou, 24, of Park Road, Wanstead, signed up to the Marathon des Sables last year with a friend from work, but has only just began training again after a series of injuries.

The race, which runs from April 4 to 15, involves running through temperatures of 50C, carrying equipment and running a total length of around 156 miles in six days.

Mr King-Patarou said: “My friend mentioned it in the pub and at first I thought 'no chance'.

“But I re-thought and decided it sounded like a good challenge and an opportunity to raise a lot of money for charity.”

“I planned to start in April last year and again in November but I injured my hamstring twice – so I have had to start all over again.

“I have never run a race before as I actually don’t really like running."

Mr King-Patarou has already raised over £1,300 and will split the final total between Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital and Cancer Research UK.

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