Liverpool's very own "Running Mad Professor" is set to take on his biggest challenge yet - the London Marathon.
Professor Tom Solomon, of The Walton Neurological Centre and University of Liverpool, will join 35,000 other runners on the 26.2 mile route in aid of the Encephalitis Society.
And to make sure his attempt raises as much money and awareness as possible, Prof Solomon has produced a crazy promotional video which shows his mad training programme across famous places in Liverpool and even in Malawi, where he was joined by groups of local children.
He said: "I don’t usually do things like this but a few weeks ago I was sitting in the airport on my way to Malawi when I received a phone call asking me to London Marathon for the Encephalitis Society.
"As soon as I landed in Malawi, I thought I should start training straight away and my wife, Rachel, helped me chart it on video. The video is a bit crazy, and once it got onto YouTube it has grown and grown, until it has become a viral."
Prof Solomon heads the Liverpool Brain Infections Group, which is based at the Walton Centre, the University of Liverpool and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. With 15 years experience, he specialises in brain infections, including encephalitis and wants to use the race to raise the profile of the condition.
He continued: "Every day, during the course of my work, I see the impact encephalitis has on people’s lives. I want to use the marathon as an opportunity to raise awareness of this disease and also to raise funds for vital research into it."
Encephalitis is an inflammation in the brain, most commonly caused by viral infections or sometimes an inappropriate immune response after an infection.
Prof Solomon added: "Spotting the signs of encephalitis and acting quickly can make the difference between life and death. If, by running this marathon, I can help even one person then it has all been worthwhile."!
To sponsor Tom’s marathon run, visit his Just Giving page http://www.justgiving.com/RunningMadProf.
Ayaba, Liverpool around 1 year, 8 months ago