Ex-Carre's boy to do marathon in nurse mascot

Anthony Chapman, 43, who now works as a manager for an NHS clinical commissioning group, living near Leicester, will be running on April 24 for the Well Child charity, wearing its mascot, Nessa the Nurse.

It is one of the tallest costumes in the marathon and so he expects to stand out. He said: “It grabs the attention of spectators. I have to train in it and ran a half-marathon in it last weekend to get used to the weight (10kg). It is quite awkward and not good if it is too hot or windy.

“I can only see straight ahead - there is a hole I can look out through her cleavage.”

He predicts to be running for up to six hours in what will be his 12th consecutive London Marathon, although the first time in costume.

Anthony said: “It will be my last London marathon so I’ve decided to go out with a bang. I will also be doing the Great North Run in it in the autumn.”

So far he has raised just short of £2,000 in pledges and hopes to reach at least £3,000.

Anthony said: “The crowd drives you on along and with a large family of my own it is a charity that has always been close to my heart.”

To sponsor him visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/anthonychapman
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