AHOY! Allistair Hunter is not only taking on the London Marathon for a seventh and last time – he will be running the gruelling 26 mile route carrying a ship.

Allistair came up with the idea in return for £1,000 in sponsorship from Colchester firm Reader Offers cruises.

He admitted: “It is a silly idea but it is fun.” He has made the cruise liner, 1.5 metres long and weighing five kgs, and hopes to generate support and sponsorship from the stunt.

Allistair ran his first London Marathon after only eight weeks of training. Dad-of-two Allistair, managing director of Direct Solutions, in Clacton, said: “I took up running about 12 years ago.

“I was in collision with a car when I wasateenager and had not run since then. I was asked by the chief executive of MS-UK if I fancied doing the marathon and agreed.

“I had about eight weeks of training. It was stupid. I did the race in four hours, 13 mintues.”

Allistair, 46, of Field View Close, Colchester, has now completed six London Marathons in aid of the charity which supports people with multiple sclerosis and their families.

But Allistair said this marathon would be his last. “I have one leg shorter from the accident and running is not doing my hips any good.

Allistair has raised £3,000 for MSUK but would welcome more donations. He has a justgiving page at www.justgiving. com/Allistair2015