AN ex-paratrooper is attempting to break a world record London Marathon time to commemorate the life of his friend, who died serving in Afghanistan.

Charlie Shevlin-Child, who was previously based at Colchester Garrison, has now been accepted by the Guinness Book of Records as an official contender for his challenging task.

The former paratrooper, NHS surgical nurse and 6 Rifles Reservist will be carrying 20lbs while in full military kit during his attempt in a nod to his friend, Sergeant Luke Taylor.

Luke, 33, from Burton, was killed at a forward operating base in Lashkar Gah, Helmand Province, when a rogue gunman opened fire in 2012.

Gazette: Repatriation - Luke Taylor is brought home to the UK Repatriation - Luke Taylor is brought home to the UK (Image: SSAFA)

Close pals Charlie and Luke grew up and were army cadets together in Christchurch, Dorset.

The former will now be undertaking the run to raise money for armed forces charity SSAFA.

“He was my friend and I miss him,” said Charlie, who revealed the 20lb weight he will be carrying is roughly equivalent to that of a toddler.

“He left behind a baby who was the same age as my son, Oscar, is now. I’m running for SSAFA because they helped Luke’s family when he was killed.

Gazette: Training - Charlie preparing for his runTraining - Charlie preparing for his run (Image: SSAFA)

“SSAFA looks after our families if we can’t – that means a lot.”

Jake Taylor, Luke’s brother, is supporting Charlie in his record breaking attempt and will be in London cheering him on and providing moral support.

Jake said: “I’m extremely proud of what Charlie is doing. It’s over ten years since Luke’s death and it means a lot to us that he is being remembered like this.

“SSAFA helped my Mum when she needed it most and I’m really grateful for that.”

Gazette: Day job - Charlie works for the NHS nowDay job - Charlie works for the NHS now (Image: SSAFA)

Charlie revealed he is training for this event around a busy career in the NHS and he is also a part-time reservist.

On top of this he has a four-month-old baby “and a very tolerant wife”, he joked.

“I’ll often take Oscar out training with me – he loves it when I run and push him in his stroller, it’s pretty good exercise,” he added.

The run will take place on October 2 and if you would like to support Charlie you can do so here.