HOW about this for a way of training for the London Marathon?

Brian McCormick, pictured, has devised an unusual way of getting ready for the gruelling 26-mile run on April 18 by racing up the 420 steps of the Pepsi Max Big One each day - to a dizzy 235ft.

The Pleasure Beach office manager will be running to support the National Deaf Children's Society and although his training is all uphill, he believes he is on track to complete the course. Other Fylde fundraisers testing their endurance this year include Roy Barnard of Layton, Andy Minns of Fleetwood, Joel Wrigley of St Annes and Blackpool's Andrea Bookless. All are hoping to raise stacks of cash for charity. Roy, of Brendon Walk, is running in aid of Get Kids Going, which provides general and sports wheelchairs for youngsters across the UK.

He explained: "I really wanted to run to help disabled children and young people to get going. These children desperately need wheelchairs to get about and compete in sports and marathons."

Andy, of Mains Lane, is raising money for the Cancer Research Campaign. He admitted preparations had been tough for him, adding: "I've had a few injuries and a few knocks, but I'm looking forward to it. There are a few butterflies, but I think you should be a bit nervous before something like this.

"The people at work have already pledged over £1,000. Everyone's been really generous."

It will be Andy's first marathon for though he has completed a number of half marathons. He is hoping for a time of 3 hours, but is aware that the sheer volume of competitors may scupper his ambition: "There are so many runners, that I'll probably start behind someone dressed as a horse!"

It will also be the first marathon for Joel, a final year student at Leeds University. The 22-year-old hopes to raise as much as possible for the National Asthma Campaign. An asthma sufferer himself, he has been wanting to do the run since he was 17. He said: "I'm hoping to do the run in around 4 hours. It may be my first marathon but I'm feeling quite confident.

"I'm hoping my asthma won't prove to be a problem."

PDSA veterinary officer Andrea will be running to raise money for the Blackpool animal hospital. A keen runner, Andrea also enjoys aerobics and fell walking. But animals are an important part of her life as she and her husband look after dogs Ben and Chloe, Thomas the rescue cat and Flopsey the rescue rabbit.

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