A PROUD runner completed the London Marathon with a giant testicle strapped to his back to raise awareness of testicular cancer.

Barry Sippitt, 29, of Great Clacton, was easily recognisable as he dashed along the marathon course on Sunday.

He was running in aid of Cancer Research, and agreed to complete the race wearing the testicle at the suggestion of a friend and cancer survivor.

Barry raised £900 for the cause with the help of employer Vodafone.

Hauling the testicle on his back slowed him down and he finished the marathon in seven hours and 38 minutes.

He said: “It was a bit of a slog, especially after my knee went around mile seven.

“But I got round, finished and got my medal.

“Carrying the testicle was a game changer. It moved around a lot and after three or four hours my neck and back were seizing up.

“It just got harder and harder and it was something else I had to concentrate on.

“It added about an hour to my time from last year, but I was just happy to get round and at the end my family were there to see me finish.

“It was the best part of the day and made it all worthwhile.”

People can still sponsor Barry at justgiving.com/B-SIPPITT

He added: “People do the marathon with these gimmicks but it’s important to remember the message and the reason for doing this is to raise awareness of testicular cancer.”