Chris Read is all set to take on the New York Marathon this weekend as he bids to raise funds for Bowel Cancer UK.

The 29-year-old is flying to Manhattan on Friday for his debut marathon in memory of his first cricket coach in Devon, Trevor Ward, who died of bowel cancer in 2006.

Read was persuaded to get into distance running by his wife Louise and ran a half-marathon in March but has never before tackled the ‘big event.’

He said: “I’m feeling pretty good and am looking forward to running around the Big Apple, but I’m not going to set myself any targets other to get over the finish line.

“I’ve done up to 21 miles during my training in the past couple of months so I’m just about as prepared as I could be. I hope I’ll do Trevor proud and raise some funds for a very worthy cause.

“Unfortunately Lou has picked up a knee injury so won’t be able to run herself, but she’s still coming to New York to give moral support - and enjoy a bit of shopping, no doubt.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring Read can still do so, and should click here.