A VET is preparing himself for the ultimate test of stamina – running 26.2 miles in this year’s London Marathon.

David Brewer, a veterinary surgeon at The Vet, in Highams Park, said he must be “crazy” running in the London race just a month after enduring the Liverpool Half Marathon.

But the 26-year-old is committed to raising thousands to help the under-threat Sumatran orangutan.

So far David has raised just over £850 from 31 backers for the Sumatran Orangutan Society (SOS), but he has his sights set on achieving £2,000.

He said: “After moving down to London and starting my career working as a veterinary surgeon for The Vet in Highams Park, I realised I needed another challenge.

“I have always been interested in great apes, especially orangutans, and their relationship to us.

“We share so many similar traits and genes, they are our cousins on this earth, yet we are failing them.

“If we fail to protect this endangered species then I feel there is little chance for any other.

“I applied to do this London Marathon for SOS to give them a voice and to raise funds to help this amazing charity carry out their vital work.”

To donate towards David’s marathon efforts, head to his JustGiving page.