Occupational therapist who got first pair of runners at 18 to take on marathon challenge for CUH

Kannan Natchimuthu, who is taking part in the London Marathon next month (Brian Lougheed/PA)

A neo-natal expert who got his first pair of runners at the age of 18 is to take part in the London Marathon in aid of his maternity hospital.

Kannan Natchimuthu, 46, is gearing up for the gruelling run despite going without proper footwear until he entered third-level education.