A WORLD record marathon attempt to raise money for a brain tumour charity is underway.

Organised by Old Basing resident John Stanford, RelayGB kicked off, in Wandsworth Park, London on May 4.

Over the next few weeks hundreds of runners will take part in the charity challenge, covering 2,600 miles around Britain in 100 non-stop marathons.

Mr Stanford, a director of an IT consultancy, was inspired to organise the world record attempt by his friend David Fryer, from Buckinghamshire, who has suffered from a tumour since 1998.

The race around Britain will raise money for Brain Tumour UK, with the aim of generating £500,000 for the charity.

The first set of runners included Mr Stanford’s daughter, Victoria. The 24-year-old, from Camden, ran a full 26.3-mile marathon leg with 11 team members, and said: “We’re all thrilled to be involved in a world record attempt, but I think the general consensus is that finishing the leg will be a triumph in itself.”

Mr Fryer started the event and spoke about his own experience since being diagnosed.

Mr Stanford, 49, from Crown Lane, has previously run 20 marathons in 12 months for Brain Tumour UK, in support of his friend.

The father-of-two said: “It’s frightening seeing what David’s going through. It’s a constant battle with operations, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and convalescence. It puts life and its problems into a sharp perspective.

“Brain Tumour UK is working hard to get the resources that are needed to research more effective diagnostic and treatment options. So I’m delighted that over 400 people around the UK are taking part in RelayGB over 18 days. Together, we’ll raise these vital funds for more research.”

At the end of the 18 days, it is hoped that RelayGB will have lasted the longest relay distance and will have beaten the current world record held by Gillette Phenomenal Tour – a mass of running club members who ran the borders of Romania in 2009.

RelayGB will involve runners in Britain’s major cities including Southampton, Bristol, Cardiff, Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle, finishing on May 21.

Around 400 runners are taking part, including London Marathon winner Mike Gratton, and former women’s rugby international and brain tumour survivor Vicky Galbraith. To follow the progress of RelayGB, visit relaygb.org.