A KEEN runner is gearing up to tackle his fifth London Marathon and aims to raise £1,500 for a cause close to his family.

Chris Collier, 37, of Richmond, will undertake the gruelling marathon on April 23 and is raising money for Coeliac UK, the national charity for people with the condition.

Mr Collier’s daughter Abigail was diagnosed with coeliac disease two years ago.

The condition is a serious autoimmune disease caused by intolerance to gluten which damages sufferers gut lining.

There is no cure or medication for the condition; the only treatment is a lifelong, strict gluten free diet.

Mr Collier said he aims to complete the marathon in under three hours five minutes and hopes his efforts raise awareness of coeliac disease and encourage people to get tested for it.

He added: “I hope to raise £1,500 for the charity. I am very happy to do my bit to raise awareness of coeliac disease by running the London Marathon - last year I did it in full riot gear but this year I will be wearing more conventional running kit!”