A grieving son is tackling the London Marathon in memory of his campaigning father.

Karl Todd, 41, will take part in the challenge next year and hopes to raise £3,000 for Brain Tumour Research.

Last month his father, Chris Todd, from Whitehaven, lost his two-year battle against an aggressive brain tumour.

Karl, of Workington, said: "My dad was like a rock to me, he was strong and supportive and allowed me to build my life the way I wanted. Now I'm doing this for him.

"It is hard to accept that my dad is no longer with us but it is made worse by seeing how this terrible disease gradually and without mercy robbed him of his life in the last two years."

Following Mr Todd's diagnosis, he and his family have campaigned to raise awareness of brain tumours and cash for research.

Karl, who is married to Lindsay and has four children, said he wants to support Brian Tumour Research as it is underfunded compared to other cancer research.

Brain tumours "don't show any prejudices" and can affect people at any age, he said.

The charity say brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40, than any other type of cancer. But, just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to the disease.

Karl is one of more than 40 people signed up to support the charity in the marathon on April 23. He has taken part in numerous running events in the past.

"I'm trying to do better in this marathon because it has more meaning to it," he said. "It's bitter sweet as dad liked London, it was one of his favourite places. All of our family is going to go, but he'll be missing."

Karl said in preparation of the big event he aims to train 50 miles a week in a bid to improve his personal best.

He also aims to hold fundraisers in the lead-up to the marathon.

A Chris Todd memorial football match is being held next Saturday (December 17) at Walker Road, Workington, 12pm kick off. A raffle will be drawn after the game. All money goes to Brain Tumour Research.

To donate to Karl, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Karl-Todd2