A WINCHESTER man is set to push his friend around a full marathon course in a wheelchair – and he hopes to break a world record whilst doing so.

Marcus Green, of Belgarum Place, is in training for the 26 mile run at Goodwood in December, where he will push former colleague Phil Rossall.

The pair first met when they were working at Age UK in London and shared a love of running.

But in 2016, Phil was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, and is now totally reliant on a ventilator for breathing and has lost the use of his muscles.

Marcus said: "Ever since I left Age UK in 2017, Phil and I have kept in touch.

"As everyone knows, motor neurone disease is quite a fast, downward spiral, but Phil has been absolutely amazing and his attitude has inspired so many people."

Earlier this year, the duo broke the world record for the half marathon wheelchair push, completing an event in Worthing in one hour, 29 minutes and 38 seconds – six minutes faster than the previous record.

The 33-year-old added: "After completing the Worthing Half Marathon, we wanted a new challenge.

"Phil's wife begrudgingly agreed, and we found the perfect event – Goodwood is flat, is looped so we will never be too far from a support team, and will be a new experience for both of us.

The current record is three hours and one minute, and is held by the same Canadian sportsman who held the record for the half marathon wheelchair push.

Marcus continued: "I think the Canadian guy is royally flipped off with us by now.

"But of course, we want to keep on setting the records and raising awareness as we do so.

"There's just a few bits and pieces left to do, such as make sure the wheelchair is legal.

"Fingers crossed we can complete the race in two hours and 55 minutes, and I'm really confident we can do that with a little bit of training."

Since his diagnosis, Phil has raised more than £28,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

He hopes the full marathon attempt in December will help raise further awareness, and he also looks to write a book to support others affected by the disease.