THE backside of a budding marathon runner will be getting plenty of attention as he prepares to take on a challenge for a cause close to his heart.

Steve Enefer, 38, is being sponsored £150 by his butcher, Frank Wright and Son, in return for wearing shorts with the words “topside rump” on the back.

Mr Enefer, of Upland Drive, Colchester, is wearing the shorts to train for the London Marathon with the cheeky garment set to be a wardrobe staple on the day.

He will be running in aid of St Helena Hospice and wanted a novel way of trying to raise cash.

Steve said: “I just started ringing up butchers. I thought one would agree because it’s a local butcher, local man and local charity.

“Although, in the end, I was shocked that he actually said yes.”

The dad-of-two was inspired to run when a family friend who ran a marathon said it was on his “bucket list”.

He added: “I’m running for St Helena Hospice because it is local to Colchester and have a great reputation in the local area.

“I’ve been running for a few years but I’ve never done a marathon. It’s a big challenge.

“I ran the Great Bentley half marathon back in February in about 1h 50m, but that being said, the London marathon is a big old jump.”

Steve is also letting people dedicate a specific mile in memory of a loved one in exchange for a £20 donation.

The mile number and person’s name will be printed on Steve’s running vest and pre and post run photos of the shirt will be supplied to them.

  •  If you are interested in having a mile dedicated, Steve can be contacted at steve@enefer.org.

Steve’s fundraising target of £1,800 has already been reached but he is keen to raise as much as possible.

Donate at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SteveEnefer and you can also visit Steve’s blog on running and his personal progress at 385yardstogo.wordpress.com.