A HAMPSHIRE dad will be pushing himself to the limit when he tackles his first full marathon in aid of childhood cancer victims.

Karl Swanborough is putting in his final training ahead of competing in the Virgin Money London Marathon 2016 on Sunday, April 24.

Now the father-of-two from West End is making an urgent appeal for people to donate to his chosen charity Children with Cancer UK.

Karl, who works as a field sales executive for the Daily Echo, is no stranger to running after previously completing three half marathons, including last year's inaugural ABP Southampton Half Marathon.

But competing in what is one of the world's biggest and most renowned races represents a huge step-up for the Saints fan - who caught the running bug five years ago.

His wife Hannah will be travelling with him to the capital to cheer him on while daughters Summer, six and Teagan, one, will be hoping to catch a glimpse of him on the television.

Karl, 32, is eager to raise £1,000 for the charity which is close to his heart because Hannah lost one of her cousins to leukaemia.

He is confident in finishing the course within four hours and said: "It has always been one of my goals to compete in the London Marathon.

"It is going to be gruelling and one of the toughest challenges in my life and I'm going to be as nervous as on my wedding day!

"But I am looking forward to it and can't wait to see some of the landmarks such as Big Ben and hear the crowds as I can imagine the noise is going to be like at a football match.

"I was very excited when I received the call from the charity that I was one of their chosen runners.

"Children with Cancer UK is fighting the UK’s biggest child killer, and you can help fight childhood cancer and save young lives by helping me with donations.

"I would really like it if people could donate and help this fantastic charity."

Karl is also planning to host a raffle ahead of the big race after approaching local businesses to donate prizes.

Sponsor him at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/karl-swanborough-SAVMLMBONDS3332016-4592